MEMAN, Stakeholders Emphasize Operational Safety in Retail CNG Sector.
The Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) and various stakeholders have stressed the importance of enhancing operational safety in Nigeria’s retail Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) sector. This was highlighted during a workshop titled “Enhancing Operational Safety in Nigeria’s Retail Compressed Natural Gas Sector,” held at MEMAN’s competency centre in Lagos.
The workshop focused on best practices for the safe implementation and use of CNG in Nigeria. Mr. Huub Stokman, Chairman of MEMAN, emphasized the centre’s critical role in supporting the entire industry.
“Nigeria, known as the eighth largest gas province in the world, has extensive experience with LPG, which is a crucial part of our energy mix,” Stokman said. “As we introduce CNG to the public, it’s essential to ensure it is done correctly and safely.”
Stokman pointed out the distinct differences between LPG and CNG, stressing the need for appropriate equipment, transport, and installation procedures. He noted that the workshop aimed to share best practices to ensure the safe adoption of CNG, a now permanent fixture in Nigeria’s energy landscape. “We owe it to ourselves, our friends, and our families to introduce CNG safely,” he added.
Mr. Michael Oluwagbemi, Programme Director and Chief Executive of the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI), described CNG as “the gas and fuel of the future for the transportation and power sectors.” He reiterated the federal government’s commitment to transitioning to cleaner, safer, and more reliable fuel options under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
Acknowledging concerns regarding the safety of CNG due to its high-pressure storage requirements, Oluwagbemi assured the audience of its safety, noting, “CNG is eighteen times less explosive than petrol and eight times less explosive than diesel when properly handled.” He emphasized the importance of a robust regulatory framework to ensure the safe handling and use of CNG, particularly in the transportation sector.
Oluwagbemi highlighted the development of the Nigerian Gas Vehicle Monitoring System (NGVMS), designed to oversee safety practices in the natural gas vehicle system. This system will monitor everything from the inspection of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) vehicles to the conversion of non-OEM vehicles.
“The NGVMS will allow us to see what actors are doing, accredit workshops, train and certify technicians, and ensure that vehicle parts used for conversion are certified and standardized,” he explained.
The PCNGI’s goal is to implement smart regulation that promotes growth and provides clear, predictable rules for safe investment. “We aim for a CNG sector with zero incidents as we seek to convert up to one million vehicles in the next three to four years,” said Oluwagbemi, reaffirming the government’s commitment to safety during this transition.
Mr. Taji Ogbe, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Gas Association (NGA), emphasized that safety in the gas industry remains the top priority. He highlighted the cost savings and environmental benefits of CNG compared to petrol and diesel. Acknowledging the challenges of CNG adoption, including infrastructure and conversion costs, Ogbe stressed the importance of addressing these through standards and public education.
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He commended the efforts of MEMAN and PCNGI, emphasizing the need for sustained information dissemination, industry engagement, and regulatory support to drive the successful and safe adoption of CNG in Nigeria. “We must all work together to ensure that the adoption of CNG is both successful and safe,” Ogbe said.
The workshop covered essential topics, including standards for conversion kits presented by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and maintenance of CNG vehicles by Nigerian Sinotruk Ltd. Other discussions included safe refueling practices by NIPCO and Axxela, driving precautions by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and emergency response to gas fires by the Federal Fire Service.
