Presidential panel reacts after vehicles converted to CNG cause an explosion

• Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI) reassured Nigerians about cars running on compressed natural gas
• He made this known after a recent explosion in Benin City that left three people injured
• The program director further emphasized the need to use authorized conversion facilities throughout the country

Legit.ng reporter Zainab Iwayemi has over 3 years of experience covering the economy, technology and capital markets.

The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) has reassured Nigerians about CNG-powered vehicles following a recent explosion in Benin City that injured three people.

A modified, unregulated 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/Executive Director Michael Oluwagbemi emphasized 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 agency would soon implement the Nigeria gas vehicle monitoring system in collaboration with partner organizations to enhance safety within the compressed natural gas (CNG) ecosystem.

In his announcement on Friday, Michael Oluwagbemi, Executive Director and Program Director of PCNGI, also emphasized the need to use authorized conversion centers across the country.

Oluwagbemi took note of the unfortunate event that occurred at a NIPCO CNG station at Ikpoba Hill in Benin City on Wednesday and involved an illegally modified car.

He urged stakeholders to work with the new regulatory framework and ensure full compliance. He said only authorized conversion facilities should be used and everyone’s safety is ensured 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 Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON ) and the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC).

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“This incident reiterates the drive of PCNGI and our partners (in SON, NMDPRA, NADDC and FRSC) on the soon-to-be-launched Nigeria Gas Vehicle Monitoring System to deal with any bad actors in the ecosystem who intend make it a safer, cheaper, cleaner and more reliable source of risky power for all,” Oluwagbemi said.

A journalist raises the alarm about the conversion

Legit.ng reported that amid a surge in popularity and campaign for CNG in the country, a journalist, Comrade Muyi Ebhodaghe, has said it is a misstep.

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

Muyi stated that the United States has a small percentage of CNG-powered users. He said some risks associated with CNG conversions include engine failure and possible explosion.

Source: Legit.ng