As compressed natural gas (CNG) is set to become a permanent fixture in Nigeria’s energy landscape, the Programme Director and Chief Executive of the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI), Michael Oluwagbemi, has said the government’s plan is to implement smart regulations that promotes growth and provides clear, predictable rules for safe investment.
“We aim for a CNG sector with zero incidents as we seek to convert up to one million vehicles in the next three to four years”, he said.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safety during this transition, while also reiterating its commitment to transitioning to cleaner, safer, and more reliable fuel options under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
He described the compressed natural gas (CNG) as the gas and fuel of the future for the transportation and power sectors, but also acknowledged concerns regarding the safety of CNG given its high-pressure storage requirements.
Addressing participants at a virtual workshop hosted by the Competency Centre of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) at the weekend which focused on operational safety in the retail CNG sector, the PCNGI boss reiterated the safety of the CNG, insisting that it is by far safer than petrol and diesel as it is less explosive. “CNG is 10 times less explosive than petrol and eight times less explosive than diesel when properly handled”, he emphasised.
Oluwagbemi noted that it is of paramount importance to develop a robust regulatory framework to ensure the safe handling and use of CNG, particularly in the transportation sector. A key initiative referenced in this regard was the development of the Nigerian Gas Vehicle Monitoring System (NGVMS), designed to oversee safety practices in the natural gas vehicle system.
This system, he explained, aims to monitor everything from the inspection of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) vehicles to the conversion of non-OEM vehicles.
“The NGVMS will allow us to see what actors are doing, accredit workshops, train and certify technicians, and ensure that vehicle parts used for conversion are certified and standardised”, he explained.
The Chairman of MEMAN, Huub Stokman, underscored the importance of the Competency Centre’s role in supporting the entire industry. “It’s important to realise that we’ve been on this journey for a long time. Nigeria, known as the eighth-largest gas province in the world, has extensive experience with LPG, which is a crucial part of our energy mix. As we introduce CNG to the public, it’s essential to ensure it is done correctly and safely”, he said.
Stokman, while highlighting the distinct differences between LPG and CNG, emphasised the need for proper equipment, transport, and installation procedures. This, he explained, was the motivation for the workshop which aimed to share best practices and ensure the safe adoption of CNG. “We owe it to ourselves, our friends, and our families to introduce CNG safely”, he said.
Similarly, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Gas Association (NGA), Taji Ogbe emphasised that safety in the gas industry is the top priority. He buttressed the cost savings and environmental benefits of CNG compared to petrol and diesel.
He also acknowledged the challenges of CNG adoption, including infrastructure and conversion costs, but emphasised that addressing these through standards and public education is crucial. Ogbe commended the efforts of MEMAN and the PCNGI and reiterated the importance of sustained information dissemination, industry engagement, and regulatory support to drive the successful and safe adoption of CNG in Nigeria.
“We must all work together to ensure that the adoption of CNG is both successful and safe”, Ogbe concluded.
