National Assembly Urges Thorough Research on CNG Explosions, Questions N903 Million Allocation
The National Assembly has expressed concern over the frequent explosions of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered vehicles, calling for comprehensive adaptability tests or research to identify the causes and recommend appropriate safety measures. The lawmakers voiced their concerns during the 2025 budget defense session on Friday in Abuja, where they discussed issues relating to the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
The Joint Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Petroleum (Upstream), and Gas noted that many vehicles converted from petrol-powered automobiles to CNG-powered ones had been involved in explosions. Lawmakers pointed out that such incidents could be avoided with better research and adaptation of the technology to Nigeria’s specific conditions.
Hon. Hafilat Ogbala raised concerns over the recurrent explosions, urging the Minister of State for Gas, Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, to clarify the government’s plan to address the issue. Similarly, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan questioned whether the CNG initiative had undergone sufficient testing to ensure its safety in Nigeria’s unique climate and infrastructure.
“There is danger in adapting any form of technology without proper research or testing for its suitability,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said, emphasizing the difference between Nigeria’s road conditions and those of countries from where the CNG technology was imported.
In his response, Minister Ekperikpe Ekpo assured the committee that a Presidential Committee on CNG had conducted necessary tests before the initiative was launched in Nigeria. He explained that investigations revealed that the CNG-related explosions were caused by improper conversions carried out by unlicensed roadside technicians, rather than certified centers.
On the matter of the Ministry’s 2025 budget, the committee also expressed dissatisfaction with the N903 million allocated for capital projects, citing the relatively low figure. Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum, explained that the Ministry’s primary focus is on policy formulation rather than contract execution.
