Nigeria needs right procedures for safe, sustainable CNG adoption

The Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) has called for the implementation of proper procedures to ensure the safe and permanent adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a fuel source in Nigeria.

During The MEMAN Competency Centre workshop in Lagos, the association emphasised best practices for the safe implementation and use of CNG in Nigeria, with a focus on operational safety in the sector.

MEMAN Chairman, Huub Stokman, highlighted the need for proper equipment, transport, and installation procedures to ensure the safe adoption of CNG, which is set to become a permanent fixture in Nigeria’s energy landscape.

Stokman underscored the importance of the Competency Centre’s role in supporting the entire industry, emphasizing the need for comprehensive safety standards and regulatory frameworks. These measures are crucial to prevent accidents and ensure that CNG infrastructure is developed and maintained to the highest standards.

“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,” Stokman said.

Programme Director and Chief Executive of the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI), Michael Oluwagbemi, described CNG as the gas and fuel of the future for the transportation and power sectors. He reiterated the Nigerian government’s commitment to transitioning to cleaner, safer, and more reliable fuel options.

A key initiative highlighted by Oluwagbemi was the development of the Nigerian Gas Vehicle Monitoring System (NGVMS), designed to oversee safety practices in the natural gas vehicle system, monitoring everything from the inspection of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) vehicles to the conversion of non-OEM vehicles.

Oluwagbemi acknowledged concerns regarding the safety of CNG, given its high-pressure storage requirements. However, he assured the audience of its safety, stating that CNG is eighteen times less explosive than petrol and eight times less explosive than diesel when properly handled.

He emphasised the importance of developing a robust regulatory framework to ensure the safe handling and use of CNG, particularly in the transportation sector.

“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 standardized. The PCNGI’s goal is to implement smart regulation that promotes growth and provides clear, predictable rules for safe investment,” Oluwagbemi said.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to safety during this transition, he said they aim for a CNG sector with zero incidents as they seek to convert up to one million vehicles in the next three to four years.

Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Gas Association (NGA), Taji Ogbe, emphasised that safety in the gas industry is the top priority. He highlighted 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 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 said.

The Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, expressed that the success of these projects highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government, private sector, and local communities.