Presidential Panel Reacts After CNG-Converted Vehicle Causes Explosion

• The Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI) reassured Nigerians about cars that run on compressed natural gas
• This was in reaction to a recent CNG-powered car explosion in Benin City that left three individuals injured
• The program director further underlined the need to use authorised conversion facilities across the country

Legit.ng journalist Zainab Iwayemi has over 3-year-experience covering the Economy, Technology, and Capital Market.

Nigerians have been reassured by the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) about CNG-powered vehicles in the wake of a recent explosion in Benin City that injured three people.

An unregulated, modified CNG cylinder was blamed for the incident, highlighting the risks associated with using unapproved conversion services.

In a statement released on Friday, PCNGI program director/chief executive Michael Oluwagbemi emphasised that only approved facilities should be used for conversions and that safe handling of CNG is essential, Leadership reported.

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According to him, the Nigeria Gas Vehicle Monitoring System would soon be implemented by the agency in collaboration with partner organisations to improve safety within the compressed natural gas (CNG) ecosystem.

Michael Oluwagbemi, the PCNGI chief executive and program director, also emphasised the need to use authorised conversion centres nationwide.

Oluwagbemi took note of the regrettable event that occurred on Wednesday at an NIPCO CNG Station at Ikpoba Hill in Benin City, involving an illegally modified car.

He urged stakeholders to work with the new regulatory framework and guarantee complete adherence. He said that only authorised conversion facilities should be used and everyone's safety is guaranteed by handling CNG safely, exactly like petrol.

He stated that to manage the CNG ecosystem, the PCNGI is collaborating with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), and the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC).

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“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.

Journalist raises alarm about conversion

Legit.ng reported that amid an upsurge in the popularity and campaign for CNG in the country, a journalist, Muyi Comrade Ebhodaghe, said it was a misstep.

In a Facebook post on Friday, October 18, Muyi said Nigeria lacks the infrastructure and safety standards for the transition.

Muyi claimed the US has a small percentage of CNG-powered users. He said some risks associated with CNG conversions include engine failure and potential explosion.

Proofreading by Nkem Ikeke, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng