Lagos: A former National Chairperson of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE), Mrs. Funmilade Akingbagbohun, has advocated for increased safety measures to accompany the Federal Government’s expanding Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, Akingbagbohun praised the advancements in deploying CNG as an alternative fuel while emphasizing the need for improved engineering quality control, professional expertise, infrastructure, and data management to support the program’s growth.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Akingbagbohun highlighted the opportunity for Nigeria to develop a safe and sustainable CNG ecosystem by enhancing inspection, certification, and monitoring processes as more vehicles undergo conversion. She suggested mandatory national inspections and periodic recertification for CNG-powered vehicles throughout their operational lifespan. Additionally, she proposed establishing a digital CNG identity for each converted vehicle, linked to its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), conversion kit, cylinder, installer, and inspection history.
Akingbagbohun stressed the importance of comprehensive inspections covering cylinder integrity, mounting, expiry dates, high-pressure lines, valves, regulators, pressure-relief devices, leak detection, and electrical connections. She also recommended assessments of engine management systems, crashworthiness, cylinder clearance, ventilation, and overall installation quality. “The vehicle should not simply be inspected once after conversion. There should be mandatory periodic inspection, just as roadworthiness is required,” she stated.
Further recommendations from Akingbagbohun included the establishment of a national accreditation and competency system for CNG conversion engineers and technicians. She emphasized the need for technically capable conversion centers with qualified personnel, certified equipment, calibrated leak-testing and diagnostic tools, approved procedures, and emergency-response systems. The expert also suggested independent audits and periodic inspections to ensure adherence to required standards.
Akingbagbohun proposed the creation of a National CNG Safety and Incident Data System to track vehicle conversions, cylinder replacements, repairs, accidents, leaks, fires, and component failures. This system would allow authorities to monitor vehicles, conversion centers, cylinders, installers, inspections, and incident history. On technical standards, she noted Nigeria’s significant progress in preparing for broader CNG adoption, acknowledging the work of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in developing standards for conversion kits, cylinders, electrical connections, diagnostics, vehicle safety, and refueling infrastructure.
She also called for ongoing collaboration among SON, the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), conversion centers, engineers, and vehicle owners to further strengthen the program. Akingbagbohun underscored the importance of continued controls against uncertified or improperly reconditioned cylinders and components and emphasized the need for ongoing training and certification of technicians.
Highlighting the potential economic benefits, Akingbagbohun noted that the Presidential CNG Initiative suggested CNG could be 40 to 60 percent cheaper per kilometer than petrol. She advocated for the development of CNG corridors equipped with reliable mother and daughter stations, sufficient gas supply, backup compression, emergency-response systems, and certified conversion centers to ensure sustained program momentum.
Similarly, Mr. Dele Clinton, Managing Director of Green Conversion and Assemble Ltd., echoed the call for reinforced safety standards, licensing, and periodic testing of CNG-powered vehicles. Clinton urged the government to establish clear standards and penalties for conversion centers and implement a licensing system distinguishing CNG vehicles from petrol, diesel, and electric vehicles. He proposed annual roadworthiness tests and dedicated safety inspection centers through public-private partnerships and encouraged collaboration with the private sector for accredited training.
Clinton emphasized that Nigeria possesses engineers and technicians capable of supporting the transition but stressed the importance of ongoing training and certification. He concluded that maintaining CNG affordability, along with effective safety standards and skilled personnel, would bolster public confidence in the program.