Nigeria undoubtedly has been Africa’s foremost oil producer until recently when now and again, Angola overtakes Nigeria in its crude oil production as reported in the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Monthly Oil Market Report.

Nevertheless, Nigeria has led other African countries in production volumes and has had the highest proven crude oil reserves. However, wanton exploitation of this vital resource and the ensuing neglect of the indigenous communities as well as environmental mismanagement and degradation resulting from oil pollution have contributed immensely to the prevalence of unemployment, poverty, disease, insecurity and general underdevelopment of not just the oil rich Niger Delta but Nigeria as a whole. This is a paradox.

This paper discusses clean fuels, air quality standards, African and Nigerian fuel specifications, and regional efforts to reduce vehicular emissions.

Exploration for crude oil commenced in Nigeria in 1937when Shell D’Arcy was granted the sole concessionary rights over the whole territory of the country [NigerianNational Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Energy drives modern life. It powers industries, supports transportation networks and keeps homes, hospitals and businesses running every day. As global demand grows, the real challenge is no longer just producing energy. The focus now is producing it in ways that are reliable, efficient and responsible.