The MEMAN Competency Centre held a workshop on June 4, 2024, focusing on enhancing operational safety in Nigeria’s retail compressed natural gas (CNG) sector. The hybrid event, held at the MEMAN Secretariat in Lagos and online, brought together key industry stakeholders to discuss best practices for the safe implementation and use of CNG in Nigeria.
In his opening remarks, Huub Stokman, Chairman of MEMAN, emphasized the Competency Centre’s role in supporting the industry. “We are talking about CNG today,” Stokman stated. “Nigeria, known as the eighth-largest gas province in the world, has extensive experience with LPG. As we introduce CNG to the public, it’s essential to ensure it is done correctly and safely.” He highlighted the differences between LPG and CNG, stressing the need for proper equipment, transport, and installation procedures to ensure safe adoption.
Michael Oluwagbemi, Program Director and Chief Executive of the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI), also addressed the attendees, describing CNG as “the gas and fuel of the future for the transportation and power sectors.” He noted the Nigerian government’s commitment to transitioning to cleaner, safer, and more reliable fuel options under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership. Oluwagbemi acknowledged concerns about CNG’s high-pressure storage but assured its safety, stating, “CNG is eighteen times less explosive than petrol and eight times less explosive than diesel when properly handled.”
A key initiative highlighted by Oluwagbemi was the development of the Nigerian Gas Vehicle Monitoring System (NGVMS), designed to oversee safety practices in the natural gas vehicle system. This system aims to monitor the inspection of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) vehicles and the conversion of non-OEM vehicles, ensuring that all vehicle parts used for conversion are certified and standardized. “The NGVMS will allow us to see what actors are doing, accredit workshops, train and certify technicians,” he explained.
Oluwagbemi emphasized the PCNGI’s goal of implementing smart regulation that promotes growth while providing 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,” he said.
The workshop covered essential topics, including standards for conversion kits presented by the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), maintenance of CNG vehicles by Nigerian Sinotruk Limited, safe refueling practices discussed by NIPCO and Axxela, driving precautions from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and emergency response to gas fires by the Federal Fire Service.
Taji Ogbe, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Gas Association (NGA), concluded the workshop, emphasizing that safety in the gas industry is the top priority. He highlighted the cost savings and environmental benefits of CNG compared to petrol and diesel, acknowledging the challenges of CNG adoption, such as infrastructure and conversion costs. Ogbe stressed that addressing these challenges through standards and public education is crucial. He commended MEMAN and the PCNGI’s efforts and reiterated the importance of sustained information dissemination, industry engagement, and regulatory support.
“We must all work together to ensure that the adoption of CNG is both successful and safe,” Ogbe concluded.
This workshop marked a pivotal step in Nigeria’s journey toward a safer and more sustainable energy landscape. By bringing together industry leaders and stakeholders, the MEMAN Competency Centre is playing a crucial role in ensuring that CNG is integrated into Nigeria’s energy mix safely and efficiently.