…as gas safety and conversion standards raise concern
Determined to ensure that Nigeria takes it rightful place as far as clean Energy is concerned, stakeholders have stated that the country should be able to have at least over 1 million vehicles across Nigeria converted to use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) over the next couple of years.
This just as the promotion of cleaner energy, a nationwide program aimed at converting vehicles to compressed natural gas (CNG) is gathering momentum..
Engr. Zayyanu Tamban Yabo, Coordinator, Regulatory Compliance and Facilitation, Presidential CNG Initiative, who spoke at the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), Competence Lecture Series Webinar titled “Driving the Energy Transition CNG Conversion” outlined the progress made so far.
According to him, he said: “Last year, when we started, only about 10,000 vehicles were converted over a span of 12 to 15 years,” Tamban Yabo said. “However, today, we have over 30,000 vehicles converted, and the target remains ambitious with plans to hit 1 million conversions by the end of the program.”
He also noted the distribution of CNG-powered buses and tricycles as part of the effort. “As of September, we had distributed 20 buses out of the planned 100, and 200 tricycles out of the estimated 500. This is a nationwide program, and we are continuing deployments.”
The initiative aims to ease Nigeria’s transportation sector’s transition to cleaner energy by focusing on commercial vehicles, which consume the most energy in the shortest time frames. Collaborating with transport unions and financial institutions, the government is offering support, incentives, and financing options to make the conversion process more accessible.
The Nigeria Gas Infrastructure Fund (NGIF) is also playing a crucial role by helping establish the necessary refueling infrastructure for these converted vehicles, a critical component to ensure the project’s success. “This initiative is not just about reducing emissions but also about building a sustainable transport future for Nigeria,” Tamban Yabo emphasized.
The program’s stakeholders, including transportation unions, energy sector companies, and government agencies, have been commended for their contributions. However, challenges remain, including public awareness and readiness of the infrastructure, which will need to be addressed as the project progresses.
The nationwide shift to cleaner energy sources in transportation is expected to impact the economy positively while contributing to Nigeria’s environmental goals. The initiative highlights the government’s commitment to sustainability in the transportation sector.
Olajuwan Oluwasegun, Managing Director of THLD Group, said that gas safety and conversion standards remain a concern. He explained that improper installations remain a significant risk, as evidenced by the recent explosion. “Even with a poorly installed system, if procedures are followed correctly, it can still function safely,” he said. He stressed that ensuring correct installation protocols is crucial to avoiding such accidents in the future.
He highlighted the growing concern over the rise of substandard and illegal installations, particularly those learned informally, such as through online tutorials. “It’s worrying that people can access step-by-step instructions on how to improperly install these systems online,” he remarked. The potential for dangerous outcomes when unauthorized components are used underscores the need for stringent regulations.
He therefore called for a comprehensive review of the CNG and LPG conversion processes, particularly for different vehicle types. He noted that for petrol engines, the conversion allows for switching between gas and petroleum, but for diesel engines, the process is more complex, requiring simultaneous injection of both fuel types. This technical distinction, he said, necessitates more targeted training and oversight.
Another major challenge in the industry is the verification of conversion work. According to Oluwasegun, while Nigeria’s National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has approved some conversion centers, there are still concerns about the level of expertise among installers. He explained, “One car cannot be a training tool for five or ten people. We need better training structures to ensure proper knowledge transfer.”
Meanwhile the issue of overcrowded refueling stations, particularly in Benin and Ogun states, where long queues of vehicles waiting for inspection have become a frequent occurrence. The experts called for improved traffic management and refueling infrastructure, emphasizing the need for a smoother workflow in refueling operations.
Technological advancements, such as the use of digital records for installation verification, were also proposed as part of the solution. “We need to find ways to synergize these processes,” they said, advocating for digital tracking systems that can authenticate installations done at approved centers. This would help regulators, including road safety officials, better manage the oversight of converted vehicles.
The overall message from the MEMAN event was clear: while the industry is growing, it is imperative that safety standards and knowledge transfer keep pace with technological advancements to avoid further accidents and inefficiencies.
