Empirical Analysis of Technology Adoption Barriers for CNG Vehicle Conversions Among Fleet Operators in Abuja

Accelerating compressed natural gas (CNG) adoption for vehicle fleets is a strategic element of Nigeria's domestic gas utilisation agenda, yet systematic empirical evidence on the barriers preventing fleet operator adoption remains limited. This study empirically analyses the technology adoption barriers faced by commercial fleet operators considering CNG vehicle conversions in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, using a quantitative survey methodology grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) frameworks. A structured questionnaire was administered to 215 fleet operators including taxi companies, logistics firms, and government fleet managers, measuring constructs including perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, investment risk perception, fuel cost saving expectations, range anxiety relative to CNG infrastructure coverage, and subjective norms from peer operators. Structural equation modelling (SEM) is applied to test hypothesised relationships between these constructs and fleet operators' adoption intentions. A research gap addressed is the absence of TAM-based empirical studies of fleet CNG adoption specifically in Nigerian urban markets, where adoption dynamics differ from both individual consumer markets and the fleet markets studied in more developed countries. Findings reveal that perceived investment risk and inadequate CNG refuelling infrastructure coverage are the dominant barriers, each with statistically significant negative relationships with adoption intention. Peer adoption norms have a significant positive moderating effect, suggesting that visible adoption by high-profile fleet operators could trigger adoption cascades. Recommendations include CNG fleet conversion loan guarantee schemes, accelerated investment in Abuja CNG refuelling infrastructure, and a high-profile government fleet conversion showcase programme. Keywords: CNG adoption, fleet operators, Abuja, technology acceptance, barriers.