Standards Organisation Warns Against Unsafe CNG Stations After Benin Explosion
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has urged Nigerians to patronise only certified Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refuelling stations to ensure public safety in the wake of a recent cylinder explosion at NIPCO’s CNG station in Benin City, Edo State. The warning comes as preliminary investigations revealed the faulty cylinder failed to meet required standards, raising serious concerns over safety in the burgeoning CNG sector.
In a statement issued on Sunday, SON’s Director-General, DrIfeanyi Okeke, underscored the critical importance of adhering to regulatory standards to protect lives and property. “We will not allow unscrupulous individuals to undermine President Bola Tinubu’s initiative to promote access to quality energy for the automobile sector,” Okeke said, stressing that all CNG equipment must conform to SON’s stringent guidelines.
The Benin City explosion, which caused widespread alarm, highlighted the dangers of using substandard equipment. SON’s investigation revealed that the cylinder used at the station failed to meet approved CNG standards, an alarming breach of the Federal Government’s efforts to drive economic growth through the promotion of efficient and safe transportation.
SON has developed 88 comprehensive standards designed to regulate the CNG conversion industry, attract investors, and ensure the delivery of safe, quality services to the public. According to Okeke, the organisation will not tolerate any violations of these standards, warning operators to comply or face penalties.
“CNG conversion is safe,” Okeke reassured the public, “but end-users must patronise only certified centres to guarantee their safety.”
The Director-General also drew attention to the structural differences between Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and CNG cylinders, warning that LPG cylinders are unsuitable for CNG containment due to their lower pressure capacity and differing construction. The improper use of LPG cylinders for CNG has been identified as a key safety hazard.
SON is working closely with the Presidential Initiative on CNG to finalise the Nigerian Gas Vehicle Monitoring System, a platform designed to centralise the surveillance of CNG systems across the country. This system will ensure that only vehicles equipped with certified conversion kits are allowed access to gas at retail outlets, and will also maintain a database of approved CNG equipment and suppliers.
Okeke reaffirmed SON’s commitment to ensuring the safety of CNG use in Nigeria, calling on all stakeholders to prioritisecompliance. He also noted that SON has trained personnel on hand to provide technical support to investors, ensuring that Nigerians receive value for their money while adhering to safety standards.
As Nigeria expands its CNG infrastructure, SON’s message serves as a timely reminder that safety must remain paramount in the nation’s drive towards clean energy.
