The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) is set to introduce the Nigerian Gas Vehicle Monitoring System (NGVMS), in a move aimed at strengthening safety and regulatory compliance within the country’s growing compressed natural gas (CNG) sector. This initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the Presidential Initiatives on CNG and other government agencies, is part of broader efforts to promote safer, standardised use of CNG as an alternative fuel for vehicles.
The NGVMS, now in the final stages of development, will enable centralised monitoring and surveillance of CNG systems nationwide. A key feature of the platform is its ability to ensure that only vehicles equipped with certified conversion kits can access gas at retail outlets. By enforcing this requirement, the NGVMS aims to reduce the risk of accidents caused by substandard equipment, while promoting compliance with approved safety standards.
In a statement issued by SON and made available to news men in Abuja over the weekend, the organisation also emphasised the importance of using certified CNG cylinders, warning of the significant risks posed by uncertified products.
This warning follows a tragic incident involving a CNG cylinder explosion at a NIPCO CNG refuelling station in Benin City, Edo State. The explosion resulted in loss of life and raised fresh concerns about safety protocols within the CNG sector. SON’s preliminary investigation revealed that the cylinder used to convert the vehicle involved in the accident did not meet the organisation’s approved standards for CNG systems.
“As we commiserate with the families affected by this unfortunate incident, it is critical to highlight that the cylinder used in this case was substandard and did not comply with the CNG standards established by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria,” the statement read.
SON reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all CNG equipment, including conversion kits and cylinders, meet rigorous safety and performance standards before being approved for public use. The organisation operates a series of conformity assessment schemes designed to prevent the import, manufacture, and distribution of substandard products, which can pose serious risks to both users and the wider public.
In addition to its ongoing regulatory efforts, SON is partnering with the Presidential Initiatives on CNG to finalise the rollout of the NGVMS. This platform will serve as a critical tool for enforcing compliance, providing a centralised database of approved CNG equipment and suppliers, and facilitating real-time surveillance of CNG systems across Nigeria. The goal is to prevent substandard installations, mitigate associated risks, and ensure that safety remains paramount within the CNG industry.
“This initiative reassures the public that CNG safety is a top priority and reaffirms SON’s commitment to ensuring the safe use of CNG in Nigeria,” the statement continued. “The NGVMS will be instrumental in safeguarding the sector, ensuring that only certified vehicles and equipment are in operation, and providing oversight at every stage of the process.”
SON’s statement also sought to address a widespread misconception regarding the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders for CNG containment. According to the organisation, using LPG cylinders, which are not designed to withstand the high pressures associated with CNG, poses a severe safety risk.
Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, Director-General of SON, highlighted key distinctions between LPG and CNG cylinders, particularly in terms of pressure capacity and construction. “LPG cylinders typically have a working pressure of 7 bar and can withstand test pressures of up to 30 bar. In contrast, CNG cylinders are designed for much higher pressures, with a working pressure of 200 bar and a test pressure of 300 bar or more,” Dr. Okeke explained. “Additionally, LPG cylinders often feature welded seams, whereas CNG cylinders are seamless and built to withstand the extreme pressures involved in CNG containment.”
The organisation strongly urged all CNG vehicle users to ensure that only SON-certified cylinders are installed in their vehicles. Failure to do so, they warned, could result in catastrophic accidents similar to the one that occurred in Benin City.
In its bid to enhance oversight, SON has directed all CNG refuelling stations to conduct mandatory inspections of vehicles prior to filling. These inspections are aimed at verifying that vehicles are equipped with certified conversion kits, which must include proper labelling identifying the authorised conversion centres responsible for their installation.
The organisation also stressed the need for ongoing vigilance, urging both station operators and vehicle owners to prioritise safety at all times. “The collaboration between SON and other regulatory bodies will ensure that the required inspections are performed diligently, and that vehicles which fail to meet the necessary safety standards are denied access to CNG refuelling services,” the statement noted.
The rollout of the NGVMS represents a critical step in Nigeria’s journey towards greater energy security. With the government encouraging the adoption of CNG as a cleaner, more cost-effective alternative to petrol, ensuring the safety and standardisation of CNG vehicles is paramount. The monitoring system will not only help prevent accidents but also instil public confidence in CNG as a viable alternative fuel.
“This platform will bring much-needed accountability to the CNG sector,” Dr. Okeke stated. “It will provide a comprehensive system for tracking and managing CNG vehicles, ensuring that every component, from the conversion kit to the cylinder, meets the highest safety standards.”
As Nigeria continues to explore alternative energy solutions, the successful implementation of the NGVMS will play a pivotal role in reducing the country’s reliance on imported petrol, lowering emissions, and improving overall road safety.
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to driving forward these initiatives and ensuring that every step is taken to protect the public from the dangers of substandard CNG equipment. For vehicle owners, operators, and the general public, the message is clear: safety comes first.
