Nigeria Accelerates Transition to Low-Sulphur Fuels Through Multi-Sector Collaboration

Nigeria Accelerates Transition to Low-Sulphur Fuels Through Multi-Sector Collaboration In a bid to tackle air pollution and improve public health, the Federal Government of Nigeria has intensified efforts to transition the nation towards low-sulphur fuels. The initiative, led by the Federal Ministry of Environment under Minister Balarabe Abbas Lawal, brings together several government ministries, agencies, and industry stakeholders, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR). Speaking during the Third International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies in Abuja, Minister Lawal highlighted the dangers posed by high-sulphur fuels, linking them to respiratory illnesses such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and other air-related health conditions. He stressed that adopting low-sulphur fuels, along with alternative energy solutions like Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), is critical to reducing air pollution and safeguarding public health. As part of the transition, Nigeria has revised its petroleum product standards to align with the African Refiners and Distributors Association (AFRI IV) benchmark. Under the updated standards, diesel sulphur content will be reduced from 300 parts per million (ppm) to 50 ppm, while petrol and kerosene will see reductions from 1,500 ppm to 150 ppm. Implementation of these new regulations is expected to take place in the near term, representing a significant step towards cleaner energy consumption nationwide. In addition to fuel reform, the government is encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and the expansion of efficient mass transit systems, including rail and waterways, to further curb vehicular emissions. Plans are also underway to establish Vehicular Emissions Testing Centres in all 774 Local Government Areas, ensuring that emissions standards are monitored and enforced consistently across the country. Minister Lawal emphasized that these initiatives form part of Nigeria’s broader commitment to sustainable development and alignment with global environmental standards. He described the transition as essential for protecting citizens’ health, enhancing air quality, and promoting environmentally responsible energy use. Experts have welcomed the collaborative approach, noting that the integration of low-sulphur fuels, alternative energy sources, and rigorous emission monitoring could significantly reduce urban air pollution. This coordinated effort positions Nigeria as a proactive player in regional environmental leadership and underscores the government’s determination to prioritize both public health and sustainable energy management. As Nigeria moves forward with these measures, the adoption of cleaner fuels and sustainable transportation is expected to pave the way for healthier communities and a more environmentally responsible energy sector.