The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) has expressed deep concern over an unfortunate incident involving an illegally modified vehicle at a NIPCO CNG Station in Ikpoba Hill, Benin City. The accident, which occurred on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, left several individuals injured. Fortunately, no lives were lost.
In a statement released on Facebook on Thursday, the PCNGI commiserated with those affected and reaffirmed the importance of adhering to safety standards in the handling of hydrocarbon fuels like compressed natural gas (CNG). Upon investigation, it was discovered that the vehicle involved had been illegally modified, with its CNG cylinder being welded and altered—making it unsuitable for safe use. The PCNGI, along with police, regulatory authorities, and NIPCO management, are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident.
“This incident underscores the critical need for strict compliance in the handling of CNG,” the PCNGI wrote. “A close examination of the cylinder in question revealed that it was not approved for use with CNG, which highlights the dangers of unauthorized modifications.”
The PCNGI took the opportunity to remind stakeholders of the upcoming Nigeria Gas Vehicle Monitoring System, which will soon be launched in collaboration with key regulatory bodies such as the Standards 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). This system will be designed to ensure that only properly accredited conversion centers are used for CNG conversions and to identify bad actors in the ecosystem.
The initiative also stressed the importance of proper safety practices in the handling of CNG to prevent similar accidents in the future. “The safe handling of all hydrocarbons, including CNG, is crucial to maintaining safety for everyone. We urge all stakeholders to comply fully with the new regulations. Unsafe practices not only undermine the reliability of CNG as a fuel but also endanger lives.”
The Nigeria Gas Vehicle Monitoring System, according to PCNGI, will play a pivotal role in identifying and eliminating unsafe practices in the CNG ecosystem. By working closely with regulatory bodies and law enforcement, the initiative aims to ensure that only vehicles equipped with approved CNG cylinders and components are allowed on the road. The monitoring system will track and regulate the operations of accredited conversion centers, helping to ensure that all vehicles converted to run on CNG meet the highest safety standards.
The PCNGI’s commitment to safer, cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable energy sources remains strong, but they acknowledge that public cooperation is essential. “We urge vehicle owners, operators, and all stakeholders to support the implementation of these new regulations and to patronize only accredited centers for CNG conversions,” the statement continued. “By doing so, we can avoid incidents like the one in Benin City and make CNG a safer fuel option for all Nigerians.”
The introduction of the Nigeria Gas Vehicle Monitoring System is expected to bring increased transparency and accountability to the CNG ecosystem, as it will track the activities of conversion centers and flag any non-compliance with safety regulations. As the country moves towards a cleaner energy future, the PCNGI emphasized that safety should never be compromised.
The agency called on all stakeholders in the CNG industry to collaborate in ensuring that such incidents are prevented in the future. “Together, we can create a safer, more reliable system for all Nigerians, while reducing our dependence on petrol and moving towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future,” the PCNGI concluded.
