The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) has assured the public that measures have been put in place to prevent a recurrence of the recent explosion of a vehicle converted from petrol to compressed natural gas (CNG) in Benin City, Edo State. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, October 16, at a CNG refilling station, left three individuals injured and raised concerns about the safety of CNG-converted vehicles.
In a 25-second viral video, the explosion was captured as it occurred during the refueling process, sparking widespread attention and calls for stricter safety protocols. Speaking on Channels Television’s *Sunrise* program on Saturday, Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, the Programme Director of the Presidential CNG Initiative, addressed these concerns and outlined the steps being taken to prevent future accidents.
“We’re learning from the incident that happened in Benin, and we already have systems in place to ensure it doesn’t repeat itself,” Oluwagbemi said. He acknowledged the seriousness of the explosion but reassured the public that PCNGI had anticipated potential challenges and was continuously improving its safety protocols in response to incidents like this.
One of the key initiatives highlighted by Oluwagbemi is the Nigerian Vehicle Monitoring System (NVMS), which was launched in June 2024. “The Nigerian Vehicle Monitoring System was established to integrate the oversight of the four principal regulatory agencies responsible for vehicle and fuel safety. This system is designed to enhance safety across the entire lifecycle of CNG vehicles, from conversion to refueling and road use,” he said.
Oluwagbemi explained that the NVMS serves as a comprehensive platform to monitor the technical integrity of CNG conversions, the standards at CNG refueling stations, and the overall maintenance of CNG vehicles. By bringing together regulatory agencies like the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), the system ensures that safety checks are enforced at multiple levels.
He stressed that the explosion in Benin, while unfortunate, had provided valuable lessons. “Every incident is an opportunity to learn and improve. While we deeply regret the injuries sustained, we are using this experience to refine our safety measures and ensure that all operators adhere strictly to the guidelines.”
In response to the Benin explosion, PCNGI has intensified inspections of CNG refueling stations across the country. Oluwagbemi revealed that additional safety audits are being conducted at all certified CNG refueling stations, with a particular focus on the technical standards of equipment and the training of personnel.
“One of the issues we identified is the need for continuous training and retraining of staff at these refueling stations. This is to ensure that every worker is fully equipped to handle the refueling process safely and efficiently, minimizing the risk of accidents,” Oluwagbemi explained.
In addition to regulatory oversight, Oluwagbemi emphasized the importance of public awareness and education. He stated that many vehicle owners converting from petrol to CNG may not fully understand the new maintenance requirements for their vehicles. PCNGI is rolling out a public safety campaign to educate CNG users on best practices for vehicle maintenance, including regular checks of the CNG system and adherence to refueling protocols.
“We want Nigerians to know that CNG is a safe and viable alternative to petrol when the correct procedures are followed. However, it requires a shift in mindset—there are specific maintenance schedules and safety checks that need to be observed. Our goal is to make sure every CNG user is fully informed and confident in the safety of their vehicles,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Oluwagbemi reiterated PCNGI’s commitment to promoting CNG as a sustainable and cost-effective fuel alternative for Nigerians. He pointed out that the benefits of transitioning to CNG, such as reduced fuel costs and lower emissions, far outweigh the risks when the proper safety measures are in place.
“As a country, we are at the forefront of driving the adoption of cleaner and cheaper energy sources. CNG offers immense potential for economic and environmental benefits, and with the systems we’ve put in place, we are confident that it can be rolled out safely nationwide.”
He concluded by assuring the public that PCNGI would continue to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the safe implementation of the CNG program. “Safety is our top priority. We will keep working with regulatory bodies, the private sector, and the public to ensure that incidents like the one in Benin City become a thing of the past.”
The Presidential CNG Initiative is part of the Nigerian government’s broader efforts to transition the country towards cleaner energy alternatives, reduce carbon emissions, and cut fuel costs for consumers. While challenges like the Benin explosion underscore the importance of rigorous safety standards, PCNGI remains committed to its vision of a safe and sustainable future for Nigeria’s energy sector.
