The Programme Director of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi), Engineer Michael Oluwagbemi, has reaffirmed the commitment of the organization to ensure the safety and reliability of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles in Nigeria.
In a tweet on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, Oluwagbemi highlighted the proactive steps taken by PCNGi to safeguard the growing CNG industry, addressing concerns from skeptics who question the safety of the alternative fuel source.
“We see that some naysayers are late to the party on the safety measures the @PCNGInitiative is taking to secure the emerging CNG industry. We are one step ahead to ensure the safety & reliability of CNG vehicles in Nigeria despite the intrinsic safety of CNG relative to petrol,” he tweeted.
Oluwagbemi emphasized that CNG is inherently safer compared to traditional petrol, citing its environmental benefits and reduced risk of combustion. However, he acknowledged the importance of putting additional safety frameworks in place to bolster public confidence in CNG vehicles as they become more prevalent on Nigerian roads.
One of the key steps taken by PCNGi is the establishment of an interagency working group focused on safety monitoring within the sector. This initiative, launched in June, brought together principal figures from relevant regulatory bodies to collaborate on comprehensive safety measures. According to Oluwagbemi, the outcome of that workshop is the ongoing development of the Nigeria Gas Vehicle Monitoring System, a groundbreaking framework designed to ensure proper compliance at every level of the CNG industry.
“Back in June, we set up an interagency working group, to develop the full spectrum of safety monitoring for the sector. That initial workshop attended by the principals of the key agencies led to an alignment that is now becoming the Nigeria Gas Vehicle Monitoring System,” he added.
Oluwagbemi explained that this system is not only designed to track the registration and inspection of CNG kits but also to ensure compliance with safety standards at every stage. The monitoring process involves the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) approving kits, conversion centers accredited by the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), and refueling operations licensed by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). Road safety is also a top priority, with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) playing a vital role in enforcing safety regulations.
“Since @PCNGInitiative got to this, we’ve not only built a platform to inspect & ensure only properly registered @SONNigeria kits are utilized at @NADDCouncil accredited conversion centers, enforceable at @NMDPRA_Official licensed refueling centers & on the road by @FRSCNigeria,” Oluwagbemi noted.
The comprehensive safety monitoring system represents PCNGi’s commitment to not only promoting the use of CNG as an alternative fuel but also ensuring that every vehicle on the road meets the highest safety standards. As the Nigerian government continues its push for a cleaner, more sustainable energy future, CNG has emerged as a central component of that strategy.
Oluwagbemi’s assurances come at a critical time when Nigeria is working to transition from petrol dependency to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. The success of this transition relies heavily on the public’s trust in the reliability and safety of new fuel alternatives. With the PCNGi at the helm of the initiative, coupled with strong collaboration across government agencies, stakeholders are confident that the CNG sector will continue to grow securely and sustainably.
The PCNG initiative aims to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on petrol, lower transportation costs, and contribute to environmental sustainability, positioning the country as a leader in the global energy transition. With safety and reliability at the forefront, the organization is making significant strides in driving the adoption of CNG-powered vehicles across the nation.
