The Ogun State government has said the conversion of vehicles from Premium Motor Spirit, PMS to Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, is safe for use.
Commissioner for Transportation, Dairo Olugbenga made the confirmation on Thursday while fielding question from newsmen in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
DAILY POST reported that early this month a CNG-powered vehicle exploded at the NIPCO filling station in Aduwawa, Benin, Edo State, leaving three people severely injured, including a motorist who suffered eye injuries.
The Commissioner while dismissing the fear of explosion in the heart of residents, noted that CNG is naturally less combustible than gasoline, odourless, clear, non-corrosive, and safer, which can only ignite five to 15 percent in the air.
Olugbenga maintained that the use of qualified technicians and quality materials was essential for conversion diligence.
The Commissioner stated that the Federal Government’s decision to make CNG a first choice for cheaper and cleaner energy, led to its introduction as an alternative to conventional petrol and diesel, to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal in the country.
He assured that the state government would ensure that materials for the conversion were certified by the Standard Organisation of Nigeria, SON, while technicians that would be handling the fittings had the necessary training and were certified by accredited institutions or organisations.
