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Diffusion of Compressed Natural Gas Technology Among Commercial Transporters in Nigeria: Evidence from the Technology Acceptance Model and Diffusion of Innovations Theory

Esi-Ubani, Chidiadi Obinna, Ogwo E. Ogwo, Gazie S. Okpara

Abstract

Despite the recognised economic and environmental benefits of Compressed Natural Gas , its diffusion among commercial transporters in Nigeria remains limited. This study examined the technological and innovation-related factors influencing the diffusion of CNG vehicles among commercial transporters in Nigeria using constructs derived from the Technology Acceptance Model and Diffusion of Innovations theory. Specifically, the study investigated the effects of perceived ease of use and relative advantage on the diffusion (trialability) of CNG technology. A quantitative survey research design was adopted. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to commercial transporters across Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Enugu. A total of 328 valid responses were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling through SmartPLS software. Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses were employed to examine relationships among the study variables. The findings revealed that perceived ease of use has a strong positive and statistically significant effect on diffusion (β = 0.818, p < 0.001), indicating that transporters are more willing to experiment with CNG technology when it is perceived as easy to operate and maintain. Conversely, relative advantage was found to have a positive but statistically insignificant effect on diffusion (β = 0.020, p = 0.794), suggesting that perceived economic and operational benefits alone are insufficient to stimulate diffusion behaviour. The study concludes that the diffusion of CNG technology among commercial transporters in Nigeria is primarily usability-driven rather than benefit-driven. It therefore recommends improved technical support systems, simplified operational processes, expansion of refuelling infrastructure, and practical demonstration programmes to encourage experimentation and wider diffusion of CNG technology.

Keywords

Compressed Natural GasDiffusion of InnovationTechnology Acceptance ModelPerceived Ease of UseRelative AdvantageTrialabilityCommercial TransportersNigeria.

References

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