Assessing Nigeria's Auto Emissions Impact
Evaluating the environmental impacts of diesel and petrol vehicles within Nigeria's transport ecosystem.
Project Type: Graduate Research Project
Year: 2020
Institution: University of Bath (UK)
Context
Nigeria's transportation sector is overwhelmingly dependent on fossil fuels, making it a major contributor to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. With a rapidly growing population and tens of thousands of new vehicles entering the market each year, understanding the environmental burden of petrol and diesel cars has become essential.
This project applied Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) to compare the cradle-to-grave environmental impacts of diesel and petrol vehicles in Nigeria—spanning vehicle manufacturing, fuel production, and real-world operation.
This project applied Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) to compare the cradle-to-grave environmental impacts of diesel and petrol vehicles in Nigeria—spanning vehicle manufacturing, fuel production, and real-world operation.
Research Objectives
1. Build a Comprehensive Impact Inventory
Developed an extensive dataset detailing:- Emissions from fuel extraction and refining
- Vehicle manufacturing impacts
- Operational emissions from diesel and petrol engines
- Resource consumption and energy use across the lifecycle
2. Compare Diesel vs. Petrol Vehicle Impacts
Performed a rigorous LCA comparing both vehicle types based on:- Air pollutants
- Energy demand
- Overall ecological footprint
The analysis followed ISO 14044:2006 standards to ensure methodological rigor.
Key Findings
Diesel Vehicles
More fuel-efficient than petrol cars Higher emissions of harmful pollutants
Greater overall greenhouse gas impact in the Nigerian context
Petrol Vehicles
Lower overall emissions intensity Still significant contributors to Nigeria's transport-sector pollution
Overall Insight
Despite efficiency advantages, diesel vehicles were shown to have larger environmental burdens, highlighting the need for cleaner alternatives such as natural gas, propane, hybrid systems, or electric mobility (where feasible).Implications for Nigeria
The findings provide valuable insights for:
Government agencies: informing policy on fuel standards and emissions regulation
Transport companies: guiding fleet transition strategies
Automotive manufacturers and importers: supporting cleaner vehicle portfolios
Researchers and sustainability planners: enabling evidence-based decision-making
The report emphasizes the importance of shifting away from traditional petroleum fuels to align with global climate goals and Nigeria's sustainability ambitions.
Government agencies: informing policy on fuel standards and emissions regulation
Transport companies: guiding fleet transition strategies
Automotive manufacturers and importers: supporting cleaner vehicle portfolios
Researchers and sustainability planners: enabling evidence-based decision-making
The report emphasizes the importance of shifting away from traditional petroleum fuels to align with global climate goals and Nigeria's sustainability ambitions.
Tools & Methods
Lifecycle Assessment (LCA)
ISO 14044 Standards
Emissions Analysis
Comparative Environmental Assessment
Research & Technical Writing
ISO 14044 Standards
Emissions Analysis
Comparative Environmental Assessment
Research & Technical Writing
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