The National Assembly has called for a thorough review of Nigeria’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative, citing safety concerns after reports of vehicle explosions linked to uncertified conversions.
The call for reassessment was made during the 2025 budget defence session of the Joint Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Petroleum (Upstream), and Gas.
Lawmakers demand reassessment of Nigeria’s CNG programme
Lawmakers emphasised the need for extensive testing to ensure the technology is safe and adaptable to local conditions.
Senator Natasha Akpoti, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), raised concerns over the insufficient research conducted before the program’s rollout.
Akpoti questioned, “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?”
The concerns followed reports of explosions in vehicles converted to CNG, which Minister of State for Gas, Ekperikpe Ekpo, attributed to conversions performed by unlicensed technicians.
Ekpo defends CNG, blames explosions on unlicensed technicians
Ekpo assured lawmakers that certified centres comply with safety standards and that the technology had undergone evaluation by a Presidential Committee on CNG.
He added that CNG was a permanent solution, shifting blame for the explosions to uncertified roadside technicians.
In addition, the session scrutinised the Ministry of Petroleum’s 2025 capital budget allocation of N903 million, with lawmakers questioning whether the amount would be enough to address the nation’s energy needs.
“For a ministry responsible for driving Nigeria’s energy transition, this allocation raises concerns about its commitment to infrastructure and innovation,” Honourable Kafilat Ogbara stated.
The National Assembly reiterated the importance of safety, proper implementation, and adequate funding to fully harness the potential of CNG while safeguarding public safety.
