Factors Influencing the Adoption of Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles among Commercial Transporters in Nigeria: A Theory of Planned Behaviour Approach

Abstract

The rising cost of petrol and diesel following the removal of fuel
subsidies in Nigeria has intensified the search for affordable,
sustainable alternative energy sources in the transportation sector.
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) has emerged as a viable alternative;
however, its adoption among commercial transporters remains
relatively low despite government interventions and promotional
initiatives. This study examined the behavioral factors influencing the
adoption of CNG vehicles among commercial transporters in Nigeria
using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Specifically, the study
investigated the effects of subjective norms and perceived behavioral
control on behavioral intention to adopt CNG. A quantitative research
approach based on survey design was adopted. Data was collected
through structured questionnaires administered to commercial
transporters across Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Enugu. Out of 384
distributed questionnaires, 328 valid responses were analyzed using
Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) through SmartPLS software.
Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses were employed to
examine the relationships among the study variables. The findings
revealed that perceived behavioral control has a strong positive and
statistically significant effect on behavioral intention to adopt CNG
vehicles (β = 0.624, p < 0.001). This indicates that factors such as
financial capacity, access to refueling infrastructure, and technical
knowledge significantly influence transporters’ willingness to adopt
CNG technology. Conversely, subjective norms were found to have a
positive but statistically insignificant effect on behavioral intention (β =
0.107, p = 0.347), suggesting that peer influence, union expectations,
and customer pressures do not significantly determine adoption
decisions. The study concludes that CNG adoption among Nigerian
commercial transporters is primarily driven by practical feasibility
rather than social influence. It therefore recommends improved access
to affordable financing, expanded refueling infrastructure, and
enhanced technical support systems to strengthen adoption intentions
and facilitate the adoption of cleaner transportation alternatives in
Nigeria.