Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Nigeria Transport Commissioners Forum (NTCF) has made case for more stringent regulatory enforcement and certification of the process of converting vehicles from running on petrol or diesel to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
The call is coming following the ugly incident that happened at the NIPCO gas filling station in Benin where a gas cylinder exploded during a refill leaving some persons seriously injured in the process.
The NTCF also recommended the immediate standardisation of CNG conversion kits by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), even as it called for legal measures to be taken against the distribution of substandard or counterfeit parts.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Forum and made available to journalists.
According to the group, “it was profoundly alarmed by the recent explosion involving a CNG-powered vehicle at the NIPCO filling station in Aduwawa, Benin City, which resulted in multiple injuries.”
Signed by Engr. Gbenga Dairo, Commissioner for Transportation, Ogun State, and Chairman of NTCF, the Forum said the accident serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards associated with CNG vehicle conversions when safety standards are compromised.
According to the Commissioners, the explosion underscores the imperative for stringent safety protocols and regulatory enhancements in the use of CNG vehicles.
They, therefore, advocated for enhanced collaboration between the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), transport regulatory bodies, and CNG conversion centres to ensure vehicle safety.
Assuring of “our commitment to transportation safety and excellence,” the Commissioners suggested other initiatives and recommendations:
“Launch an extensive public awareness campaign on the safe operation of CNG vehicles.
“Mandatory training programmes for technicians involved in CNG conversions will be established to ensure adherence to the highest safety standards.
“A thorough investigation into the Aduwawa incident will be conducted. The findings will guide future policy reforms and preventive strategies, with public disclosure of the insights gained.
“The Forum commits to working closely with all relevant stakeholders, including the Presidential CNG Initiative (PiCNG), to ensure the safe and efficient integration of CNG vehicles into our transport system.”
The NTCF also drummed for an immediate training programme for VIO officers on the technologies and processes related to CNG conversions to enhance their inspection capabilities, in addition to ensuring that all CNG-fueled vehicles be re-certified by the VIO for roadworthiness and fitness for purpose.
Also contained in the press statement is the Introduction of a system where all CNG-fueled vehicles display a dated emblem or sticker, obtainable only from VIO offices upon certification, to easily identify compliant vehicles.
They equally recommended that the enforcement agencies be tasked with ensuring compliance with the approved new regulations, with strict penalties, including impounding, for non-compliant vehicles, in addition to the establishment of a certification process for conversion centres by the VIO to ensure that only approved centrws can perform CNG conversions.
“The NTCF remains dedicated to promoting safer transportation solutions. While the shift to CNG is crucial for economic reasons, the safety of Nigerian citizens is our utmost priority. Our thoughts are with those affected by this incident, and we vow to strive for improvements in transportation safety,” the group said.