National Assembly Questions Safety Of CNG Use In Nigeria Over Explosions
The lawmakers urged the Nigerian government to prioritise rigorous adaptability tests to ensure the technology is safe and suitable for local conditions.
The National Assembly has questioned the safety of use of Nigeria’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative, calling for its comprehensive reassessment, following reports of vehicle explosions linked to uncertified conversions.
The lawmakers urged the Nigerian government to prioritise rigorous adaptability tests to ensure the technology is safe and suitable for local conditions.
During the 2025 budget defence session of the Joint Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Petroleum (Upstream), and Gas, Senator Natasha Akpoti, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), raised concerns about the lack of thorough research before launching the CNG programme.
“Nigeria’s rough roads and hot climate differ significantly from the smooth and cooler environments where this technology originated. Were these factors taken into account before rolling out CNG?” Akpoti questioned.
The lawmakers raised the concerns amid reports of explosions in CNG-converted vehicles, which Minister of State for Gas, Ekperikpe Ekpo, attributed to uncertified conversions.
Ekpo reassured lawmakers that certified centers follow safety standards and that the technology had been evaluated by a Presidential Committee on CNG.
He emphasised that CNG was here to stay, placing the blame for the explosions on unqualified roadside technicians rather than certified centers that performed the conversions.
The session also highlighted the Ministry of Petroleum’s 2025 capital allocation of N903 million, with lawmakers criticizing the amount as inadequate for addressing the country’s critical energy challenges.
“For a ministry responsible for driving Nigeria’s energy transition, this allocation raises concerns about its commitment to infrastructure and innovation,” said Kafilat Ogbara.
The National Assembly underscored the need for safety, proper implementation, and sufficient funding to maximise the potential benefits of CNG while protecting lives and property.
