The Programme Director and Chief Executive of the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI), Michael Oluwagbemi, has emphasised the importance of developing a robust regulatory framework to ensure the safe handling and use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), particularly in the transportation sector.
He said this while addressing attendees of the MEMAN Competency Centre Workshop held at MEMAN Secretariat in Lagos with the theme, ‘Enhancing Operational Safety in Nigeria’s Retail Compressed Natural Gas Sector,’ which brought together key stakeholders from across the industry to discuss best practices for the safe implementation and use of CNG in Nigeria.
Oluwagbemi further noted the Nigerian government’s commitment to transitioning to cleaner, safer and more reliable fuel options under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
He acknowledged concerns regarding the safety of CNG, given its high-pressure storage requirements. However, he assured the audience of its safety, saying: “CNG is eighteen times less explosive than petrol and eight times less explosive than diesel when properly handled.”
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. This system 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.
