*Nigeria’s Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles cautions motorists that cylinders designed for other purposes should not be converted, adapted, or improvised for the storage of CNG, stating that ‘doing so is going against approved safety standards and poses a serious risk to lives and property’
Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect
Against the backdrop of inherent danger to human lives and property, Nigeria’s Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV) has warned motorists against the use of inappropriate or uncertified cylinders for the storage of CNG in the country.
Onyekachi Eke, Head of Brand and Communications at Pi-CNG & EV, noted this in a statement issued Monday, in Abuja, FCT.
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Eke stated that the use of unauthorised cylinders, or illegal conversion possess great risk to lives and property of Nigerian consumers.
The statement also noted the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles received with concern a report of an ugly incident involving a cylinder fitted to a vehicle last Sunday, at one of the filling stations along the Airport Road, in Abuja.
According to Pi-CNG & EV, based on the information provided by the filling station management, the cylinder was not designed or certified for the storage of CNG.
Motorists’ strict adherence to approved safety standards
The Pi-CNG & EV Head of Brand and Communications further said: “The cylinder exploded during refuelling at the station.
“The driver of the vehicle was subsequently apprehended and is expected to face the full weight of the law for the use of an unauthorised cylinder, which endangered lives and property.”
The statement noted: “This incident again highlights the serious danger of using unauthorised cylinders and components for CNG conversion.
“Pi-CNG & EV has repeatedly warned motorists that only cylinders specifically manufactured, tested and certified for automotive CNG use should be installed in vehicles.”
Eke said that a cylinder is not a CNG cylinder simply because it could contain gas.
She further explained that improvising with cylinders designed for other uses was against the approved safety guidelines.
The Head of Brand and Communications averred: “Cylinders designed for other purposes should not be converted, adapted or improvised for the storage of CNG.
“Doing so is going against approved safety standards and poses a serious risk to lives and property.”
The Pi-CNG & EV said the use of substandard, fabricated, expired or unapproved cylinders would put vehicle owners, passengers, technicians, station personnel, and other members of the public at risk.
According to her, the Pi-CNG & EV has continued to work with relevant regulatory and standards agencies to strengthen safety across the CNG value chain in Nigeria.
Eke stated: “We have also repeatedly urged motorists to resist the temptation to patronise unqualified technicians or use cheaper, unapproved components in an attempt to reduce the cost of conversion.
“The rapid growth of Nigeria’s CNG market makes compliance even more important.
“Every conversion must meet prescribed safety standards, and every cylinder installed in a vehicle must be manufactured and certified specifically for automotive CNG use.”
On NADDC-accredited conversion centres, SON-certified CNG kits cylinders
Eke called on vehicle owners and commercial operators to use only National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC)-accredited conversion centres and SON-certified CNG kits and cylinders.
The Pi-CNG & EV Head of Brand and Communications, therefore, urged the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) licensed refuelling station operators to remain vigilant, and ensure that appropriate safety and verification procedures are followed before dispensing CNG to motorists.
The Pi-CNG & EV, Eke assured Nigerians, will continue to work with its partners and relevant authorities to strengthen compliance, public awareness, and safety across the growing CNG ecosystem in the West African country.