CNG Explosion: Vehicle Monitoring System To Begin Operations — Federal Gov’t

The Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNG-i) is set to deploy the Nigeria Gas Vehicle Monitoring System to enhance safety in the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) ecosystem.

The programme director/chief executive, PCNG-i, Michael Oluwagbemi, who made this known on Friday, also stressed the importance of using accredited conversion centres across the country.

Oluwagbemi noted the unfortunate incident that involved an illegally modified vehicle at a NIPCO CNG Station at Ikpoba Hill in Benin City, Edo State, on Wednesday, calling on all stakeholders to cooperate with the new system of regulation and ensure full compliance.

He added that “only accredited conversion centers must be patronised and safe handling of CNG just like petrol ensures safety of all.”

He said the PCNG-i was partnering with the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), National Automotive Design And Development Council (NADDC) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to regulate the CNG ecosystem.

“This incident reiterates the impetus of the PCNGI and our partners (at SON, NMDPRA, NADDC and FRSC) on the soon to be launched Nigeria Gas Vehicle Monitoring System to tackle any bad actors in the ecosystem that seeks to make this safer, cheaper, cleaner and more reliable source of fueling risky for all,” Oluwagbemi stated.

He commiserated with those injured in the avoidable incident and expressed gratitude that no lives were lost.

According to him, initial examination revealed that the vehicle’s cylinder was improperly modified and not approved for CNG use.

“The PCNG-i also note that safe handling of all hydrocarbon is critical to their safe use.

A close examination of the cylinder in question in Benin City shows it was welded and modified and not approved for use for CNG.

” The police, regulatory authorities and management of NIPCO are undertaking a painstaking investigation of the incident and we are coordinating with them,” he added.