Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has shed light on the cause of the recent explosion at a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station in Benin City.
In a Facebook post, Onanuga shared insights from an article by Tahir Talban Bauchi, stating that the explosion was due to the use of a welded and modified gas cylinder, which was not suitable or approved for CNG. The incident, which took place on October 16, 2024, has raised safety concerns regarding CNG use and standards.
The article titled The ‘kaboom’ discussion explained that although many Nigerians are hesitant about converting their vehicles to CNG, largely because of safety fears, the explosion was an isolated incident caused by improper equipment. The use of modified cylinders, rather than certified ones designed for CNG, was the main cause of the explosion.
Bauchi’s article further discussed the advantages of CNG over petrol, noting that CNG is non-toxic, non-corrosive, and less likely to explode due to its higher ignition temperature. It also emphasized that properly manufactured CNG cylinders come with safety valves and are designed to withstand punctures, making CNG-powered vehicles statistically safer than petrol-powered ones.
Despite the explosion, the campaign to convert vehicles from petrol to CNG remains strong, and experts urge the public to follow proper procedures and use certified conversion centers to avoid similar incidents. The introduction of CNG in Nigeria is seen as a potential threat to the petrol industry, which has long dominated the country’s energy market.
Bauchi concluded by stressing the need for more government investment in CNG conversion centers and filling stations, as well as increased public awareness of the safety and economic benefits of CNG. He also called for the expansion of the CNG market to make it a viable alternative to petrol, with savings on fuel costs being a major incentive for consumers.
