- Safiu Kehinde
The Presidential Committee on Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) has claimed that the gas powered vehicle which exploded in Edo state was illegally modified.
Reacting to the incident that occurred at a NIPCO CNG station at Ikpoba Hill in Benin city, the committee in a statement issued on Thursday, disclosed that preliminary investigation revealed that a close examination of the cylinder in question showed it was wielded and modified without approval fo CNG use.
The committee however expressed their condolences to the injured victims.
“The Presidential CNG Initiative notes the unfortunate incident that involved an illegally modified vehicle at a NIPCO CNG Station at Ikpoba Hill in Benin City on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.
“The PCNGI commiserate with those injured in this avoidable incident, and thankful that no lives were lost.
“The PCNGI also note that safe handling of all hydrocarbon is critical to their safe use. A close examination of the cylinder in question in Benin City shows it was welded and modified and not an approved for use for CNG.
“The police, regulatory authorities and management of NIPCO are undertaking a painstaking investigation of the incident and we are coordinating with them.” the statement read.
NPO earlier reported that the CNG vehicle exploded while being refilled at the station.
Meanwhile, PCNGI disclosed the coming launch of Nigeria Gas Vehicle Monitoring System in an effort to tackle any bad actors in the initiative.
They, however, called for cooperation with stakeholders while stressing that only accredited conversion centers must be patronized.
“This incident reiterates the impetus of the PCNGI and our partners on the soon to be launched Nigeria Gas Vehicle Monitoring System at SON, NMDPRA, NADDC and FRSC to tackle any bad actors in the ecosystem that seeks to make this safer, cheaper, cleaner and more reliable source of fueling risky for all.
“We also call on all stakeholders to cooperate with the new system of regulation and ensure full compliance. Only accredited conversion centers must be patronized and safe handling of CNG just like petrol ensures safety of all.” PCNGI added.