The National Assembly has called for a thorough reassessment of Nigeria’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative following reports of vehicle explosions linked to uncertified conversions.

The lawmakers urged the Federal Government to prioritise rigorous adaptability tests to ensure the technology is safe and suited to local conditions.

During the 2025 budget defense session of the Joint Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Petroleum (Upstream), and Gas, Senator Natasha Akpoti (PDP, Kogi Central) raised critical questions about the lack of comprehensive research before rolling out the CNG program.

“Nigeria’s bumpy roads and hot climate differ significantly from the smooth and cooler environments where this technology originated. Were these factors considered before introducing CNG?” Akpoti inquired.

The concerns come amid incidents of CNG-converted vehicle explosions, which the Minister of State for Gas, Ekperikpe Ekpo, attributed to uncertified conversions.

He assured lawmakers that certified centers adhere to safety standards and that the technology had undergone evaluation by a Presidential Committee on CNG.

He asserted that CNG has come to stay blaming the explosions on roadside technicians rather than certified centers who carried out the conversions.

The session also spotlighted the Ministry of Petroleum’s 2025 capital allocation of N903 million, with lawmakers decrying the sum as insufficient for addressing critical energy challenges.

“For a ministry driving Nigeria’s energy transition, this allocation raises concerns about commitment to infrastructure and innovation,” said Kafilat Ogbara.

As Nigeria looks to diversify its energy mix, the National Assembly emphasised the importance of safety, proper implementation, and adequate funding to maximize the benefits of CNG while safeguarding lives and property.