CNG Is Safe, Use Only Approved Conversion Centres, PCNGI Urges Motorists

Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) has assured Nigerians of CNG-powered vehicles following a recent explosion of a CNG-powered vehicle in Benin City, which left three injured.

The incident was attributed to an unapproved, modified CNG cylinder, underscoring the dangers of using unauthorised conversion services.

PCNGI programme director/chief executive, Michael Oluwagbemi, in a statement on Friday emphasised that only accredited centres should be utilised for conversions and that proper handling of CNG is crucial for safety.

He said the agency, with partner organisations, will soon deploy the Nigeria Gas Vehicle Monitoring System to enhance safety in the (Compressed Natural Gas) CNG ecosystem.

The programme director/chief executive, PCNGI, 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 on Wednesday.

He called on all stakeholders to cooperate with the new system of regulation and ensure full compliance. adding that” only accredited conversion centres must be patronised and safe handling of CNG just like petrol ensures safety of all.”

He said the PCNGI is partnering with the Standard Organization 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 this 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 PCNGI also notes that safe handling of all hydrocarbons 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.