Ekperikpe Ekpo, the Minister of State for Gas, has attributed recent explosions involving vehicles converted to run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to uncertified conversion processes.
He noted that all the vehicles involved in these incidents were not converted at government-approved centers but by roadside technicians.
Ekpo, addressing the issue during the 2025 budget defense session with the National Assembly joint committees on Petroleum (Downstream), Petroleum (Upstream), and Gas, emphasized that proper adaptability tests were conducted before the implementation of the CNG initiative in Nigeria.
He said, “There is a Presidential Committee on CNG that carried out extensive adaptability tests and research prior to the operationalization of the CNG initiative in Nigeria,”
Ekpo added, “Investigations by the Ministry and the Committee revealed that CNG is safe and sustainable for Nigeria. However, these incidents occurred because uncertified technicians handled the conversions.”
Read also: ‘CNG for mobility is a major game changer that will impact commodity prices’
Ekpo’s explanation followed questions by lawmakers about the safety of the CNG initiative during the session.
Hon. Kafilat Ogbara queried the Minister on the measures being taken to address the explosions and prevent future occurrences.
Similarly, Senator Natasha Akpoti, representing Kogi Central, expressed concerns over whether adequate research had been conducted on the adaptability of CNG technology to Nigeria’s unique conditions.
“There is a danger in implementing any technology without proper research into its suitability,” Akpoti stated.
“The vehicles being converted to CNG were originally built for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). Additionally, Nigeria’s bad roads and hot climate differ significantly from the smooth roads and cooler climates of countries where CNG technology originates,” she added.
The 2025 budget defense session also highlighted funding constraints within the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
Lawmakers criticized the allocation of only N903 million for capital projects in the 2025 fiscal year.
Responding to the concerns, the Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Henikien Lokpobiri, explained that the Ministry primarily focuses on policy formulation rather than the execution of capital projects.
“The allocation may appear small because our role is not to execute contracts but to provide the policy framework necessary for the sector’s growth,” Lokpobiri said.
The lawmakers urged the Federal Government to intensify adaptability tests and ensure strict regulation of CNG conversion processes to enhance public confidence in the initiative.
They emphasized that thorough research, certified conversion centers, and adequate funding are crucial for the success of CNG as a viable alternative fuel in Nigeria.
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