Abuja: The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG and EV) has issued a stern warning to motorists regarding the use of cylinders not designed or certified for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) storage.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the warning was conveyed through a statement signed by Onyekachi Eke, Head of Brand and Communications for Pi-CNG and EV, and made available to newsmen in Abuja. The statement emphasized the significant risks to lives and property associated with unauthorized cylinder use or illegal conversion practices. Eke expressed concern over a reported incident involving a cylinder explosion during refueling at a filling station on Airport Road, Abuja. The cylinder involved was reportedly not designed or certified for CNG storage, leading to serious safety implications.
Eke stated that the driver of the vehicle involved in the incident has been apprehended and is expected to face legal consequences for using an unauthorized cylinder, thereby endangering lives and property. She reiterated the critical importance of using only those cylinders that are specifically manufactured, tested, and certified for automotive CNG use. The incident underscores the dangers of utilizing unauthorized cylinders and components for CNG conversions.
Eke further clarified that a cylinder cannot be deemed a CNG cylinder merely because it can contain gas. Improvising with cylinders that are designed for other purposes contravenes approved safety guidelines and poses significant risks. She warned against the use of substandard, fabricated, expired, or unapproved cylinders, noting that these practices endanger vehicle owners, passengers, technicians, station personnel, and the general public.
The Pi-CNG and EV initiative continues to collaborate with relevant regulatory and standards agencies to enhance safety across the CNG value chain. Eke urged motorists to avoid unqualified technicians and refrain from using cheaper, unapproved components as cost-cutting measures. She highlighted the rapid growth of Nigeria’s CNG market, stressing the need for compliance with prescribed safety standards. Every cylinder installed in a vehicle must be manufactured and certified for automotive CNG use.
Eke called on vehicle owners and commercial operators to utilize National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC)-accredited conversion centers and Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)-certified CNG kits and cylinders. She also encouraged Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) licensed refueling station operators to maintain vigilance and ensure adherence to safety and verification procedures before dispensing CNG. The Pi-CNG and EV remains committed to working with partners and relevant authorities to bolster compliance, public awareness, and safety within Nigeria’s expanding CNG ecosystem.