*Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso, Director-General and CEO of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, emphasises with the 80 implementation standards in place for the Presidential Initiative for the CNG (Pi-CNG), industry stakeholders should collaborate for effective project activation, encouraging manufacturers and transportation stakeholders to embrace CNG as a viable and eco-friendly energy solution that protects consumers, workers, and the environment

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

Nigerian energy consumers have continued to commend the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the country鈥檚 apex standards body, on introducing 80 implementation standards covering aspects of CNG utilisation, including production, storage, transportation, and appliance compatibility, to the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (Pi-CNG) towards promoting safer, more reliable, and environmentally sustainable energy solutions in the West African country.

绿帽献妻 reports the market standards regulatory agency has restated that the Federal Government had approved the CNG standards and CNG Kits that are necessary to herald effective operations of the project in Nigeria.

SOme of the CNG-powered buses President Tinubu commissioned in the State House, Abuja, recently

The 80 standards for CNG operations, which the SON approved in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (ITI), cover a broad spectrum of technical specifications and requirements, from a clean and efficient energy alternative to traditional fuels, with applications ranging from transportation to industrial processes.

The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (Pi-CNG) is a component of the palliative intervention of the current administration, and one of the several interventions President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has taken to ensure that Nigerian energy consumers enjoy his avowed Renewed Hope Agenda.

Earlier, President Tinubu, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration, in 2023, had pledged to provide an alternative fuel in a move to cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy regime, and full deregulation of the petroleum sector in the country.

After the official inauguration of Pi-CNG, the Federal Government set up a Committee comprising relevant regulatory agencies, such as the National Midstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Ministry of Finance Incorporation (MOFI), and other key stakeholders towards ensuring the realisation of the CNG alternative energy option.

CNG as alternative energy solution for cleaner emissions, cost-effectiveness

It apparent that the Compressed Natural Gas option is fast gaining prominence as an alternative fuel, offering cleaner emissions and cost-effectiveness in the Nigerian economy in recent times.

This development is sequel to President Tinubu鈥檚 announcement of the removal of the controversial fuel subsidy at his presidential inauguration May 29, 2023, in Abuja, FCT, several Nigerian energy consumers have started converting their vehicles and power generators to CNG to 鈥渟ave on cost of fuel.鈥�

The CNG is regarded as a cleaner-burning fuel, compared to petrol or diesel; and it is often cheaper than both petroleum products, making it cost-effective for mass transit agencies.

Photo collage of Mr. Olawale Edun, Honourable Minister for Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and other top government officials inspect one of the CNG-conversion companies in Lagos

The lower fuel costs can result in significant savings and economy boost over time, according to experts.

It is also a cleaner-burning fuel compared to petrol and diesel, and it produces fewer harmful emissions, such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter.

This leads to improved air quality and reduced environmental impact, making CNG cars an eco-friendly choice, report said.

Therefore, the Pi-CNG is working towards reducing Nigeria鈥檚 dependence on fossil fuel, thereby enhancing the country鈥檚 energy independence while contributing to a more secure energy future in their country.

Some also believe that the CNG option would last longer in their vehicles than the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol; hence, their fundament reason for conversion of such automobiles to CNG.

In line with its mandate to support effective and sustainable CNG operations in the country鈥檚 economy, the SON by the First Quarter (Q1) of 2024, had introduced and reeled off implementation standards as guidelines to support the utilisation of alternative fuel that assures cleaner emissions and cost-effectiveness in the transportation industry.

Rationale for approval of standards for CNG operations, by SON

The Organisation, March this year, stated it issued 80 standards for Compressed Natural Gas as one of the strategic measures towards promoting safer, more reliable, and environmentally sustainable energy solutions.

The SON announced its approval of the standards for CNG use in road vehicles and related appliances as part of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative.

Announcing the development, Mrs. Funsho Bolaji, Director of Public Relations at SON, in a statement, disclosed the agency鈥檚 introduction and release of 80 approved standards cover various aspects of CNG utilisation, including production, storage, transportation, and appliance compatibility.

Inching a step further in ensuring sustainable results, the SON, however, stressed that ensuring stakeholders鈥� safe and effective utilisation of the CNG option requires 鈥渁dherence to rigorous standards鈥�.

Photo collage of CNG conversion workshops, CNG kits, and accessories

According to the Organisation, its commitment to excellence and innovation resulted in the development and approval of these implementation standards, marking a significant milestone in the energy sector of the economy.

The SON equally noted that the Presidential CNG Initiative aims to promote alternative fuel adoption as part of President Tinubu鈥檚 Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasising energy diversification and sustainability.

Recognising the fact that such relatively new CNG initiative in the transportation sector would require partnerships and collaborations for success, the SON revealed that it has collaborated with other key industry regulatory agencies, including the NMDPRA, NITT, NADDC, and Ministry of Finance Incorporation, among others.

According to the agency, each agency played a crucial role in ensuring Nigeria鈥檚 readiness for CNG adoption.

It also assured all that the 80 approved standards would lead to safer CNG use, reduced environmental impact, and cost savings in the Nigerian transportation ecosystem.

Dr. Okeke: CNG standards to enhance consumer safety, environment, improve efficiency

Speaking on the Pi-CNG, the Director of Public Relations noted Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, FCA, ACTI, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SON, stated: 鈥淎s more road vehicles and appliances transition to CNG, Nigeria can achieve energy security and contribute to global sustainability goals.鈥�

The SON Chief noted that with the CNG standards in place, industry stakeholders must collaborate to implement them effectively.

Dr. Okeke also 鈥渆ncouraged manufacturers and transportation stakeholders to embrace CNG as a viable and eco-friendly energy option.

鈥淭he release of these standards underscores Nigeria鈥檚 commitment to quality, safety, and progress in the energy sector.

鈥淎s the nation embraces CNG, it takes a significant stride toward a greener and more resilient future.鈥�

Engr. Oluwagbemi (middle) at the recent NASENI’s Pi-CNG Ride Share CNG conversion incentive programme, in Abuja

He further stated: 鈥淭he development of these standards was a collaborative effort, involving industry experts, regulators, and stakeholders nationwide.

鈥淎dhering to these standards offers several advantages: Protects consumers, workers, and the environment.鈥�

The Director-General of SON stated: 鈥淎s the Standards Organisation of Nigeria releases these standards, we urge all stakeholders to wholeheartedly embrace them and prioritise effective implementation.

鈥淒oing so ensures that CNG utilisation adheres to the highest safety, quality, and environmental standards, providing an excellent alternative for fuel consumption.鈥�

Stressing the strategic importance of the Organisation鈥檚 mandate in supporting the success of the CNG project, Okeke was also quoted to have said that 鈥渋f the standards for the implementation of CNG fail it means only one thing: SON has failed in its duty.

鈥淭he involvement of SON in CNG marks the beginning of the journey towards safer, more reliable, cheaper, environmentally sustainable, and most importantly alternative fuel utilisation across the nation for road vehicles and other CNG-related appliances.鈥�

He equally noted that in developing and approving these CNG standards, the agency is working in accordance with world best practice while striving to achieve a significant milestone in its effort at promoting safety and quality in the energy sector of the Nigerian economy.

Underscoring the significance of SON鈥檚 mandate in excellent service delivery in this regard, Dr. Okeke again, at the two-day leadership retreat for the Management Staff of SON, held June 2024, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, explained that the CNG standards are necessary to herald the implementation of the CNG operations, initiated by President Tinubu to mitigate the effects of oil subsidy removal on Nigerian consumers.

In his presentation at the retreat with the theme, 鈥淪ervice Optimisation, Greater Effectiveness and Performance Enhancement for Renewed Future鈥�, he restated: 鈥淭he CNG standards are necessary to herald the implementation of the CNG operations which was promised by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda to provide an alternative fuel and cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal and full deregulation of the petroleum sector.鈥�

According to him, the SON has a mission to uphold standards, promote quality, and ensure the safety of products in Nigeria.

The retreat, he stressed, provided a unique platform to align strategies, enhance service delivery, and explore innovative ways to generate revenue for a sustainable future.

Dr. Okeke also said: 鈥淭ogether, we will explore strategies to elevate our leadership capabilities and foster a culture of excellence within the SON.

鈥淭o strengthen our leadership capabilities, we will focus on key areas, such as strategic thinking, effective communication, change management, and fostering innovation.

鈥淭hese skills are vital for navigating the dynamic landscape of standards and regulations while driving continuous improvement and organisational growth.鈥�

The SON Chief added working in collaboration with the team of Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, led by Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, the market regulatory body is determined to make things work in line with its constitutional mandate as the standards bearer of the country.

In his keynote address at the event, Nura Abba Rimi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, charged SON to ensure 鈥渆xcellent service delivery鈥� in all standardisation.

Rimi said this in her keynote address delivered at the 2024 Leadership retreat for the management staff of SON in Uyo on Wednesday.

Rimi, represented by Anietie Umoessien, Director of the Industrial Inspectorate Department at SON, reminded participants that SON plays a critical role in protecting the interests of consumers.

He charged them to strive for excellence in all their activities.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry stated: 鈥淎s we converge under the guiding theme of 鈥楽ON鈥揝ervice Optimisation, Greater Effectiveness, And Revenue Enhancement For A Renewed Future鈥�, we are reminded of the critical roles the Standards Organisation of Nigeria plays in protecting the interests of consumers, promoting industrial growth, and revenue generation and enhancing Nigeria鈥檚 competitiveness in the global marketplace.

鈥淚t is imperative for us to continuously strive for excellence, innovation, and relevance in our pursuit of these objectives.鈥�

Rimi also urged the SON Management to foster a culture of collaboration, and creativity to unlock the full potential expected of the Organisation to enhance Nigeria鈥檚 economic growth and development.

We are impressed by speed, efficiency of SON on CNG standards 鈹�Oluwagbemi, Programme Coordinator

Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, Programme Coordinator of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi) has also justified the SON鈥檚 regulatory responsibility on drafting and approving the CNG standards of operations in Nigeria.

Oluwagbemi, during his courtesy call on the Honourable Minister for Transportation, in Abuja, FCT, reportedly said: 鈥淭hese 80 standards encompass a wide range of technical specifications and requirements, including CNG Conversion kits, Standards for electrical connections and vehicle Diagnostics, Standards for Road worthiness and Vehicle safety, Standards for CNG storage Vessels, Standards for CNG refuelling stations, and Guideline for installation of specific components to support the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) for Vehicle propulsion.

The Programme Coordinator stated: 鈥淭he development of these standards was a collaborative effort, bringing together industry experts, regulators, and stakeholders from across the country.

鈥淎dhering to these standards offers numerous benefits. Some of the benefits are enhanced safety for consumers, workers, and the environment, improved reliability and efficiency in CNG operations among others.鈥�

Oluwagbemi further asserted: 鈥淲e want to say that this effort by SON to develop these standards imbibes the vision of the President to make life better for Nigerians. We are impressed by the speed and efficiency of SON to get this done.

鈥淭he approval of the 80 standards will get the industry started. With these 80 standards, we have the regulatory standards to start the industry and we hope that it will unlock the investment needed in the sector.鈥�

Emphasising the importance of partnerships and collaborations in achieving the objectives of the CNG project, he assured that the Pi-CNG is ready to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Transportation, and the private sector players, including the stakeholders such as RTEAN, NARTO, NURTW, and the national transportation council, to support its delivery on natural gas vehicles for Nigerians.

Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, urged closer collaboration and information sharing to help the Ministry develop the right policies for the road sector, with a view to facilitating the full utilisation of CNG to deliver cheaper, cleaner, safer, and more reliable transport systems for Nigerian energy consumers.

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