Government Adopts 88 Safety Standards For CNG Vehicles

The Federal Government has adopted 88 international standards for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) products to enhance the ongoing rollout of CNG initiatives across the country. This move aims to ensure the safe and efficient implementation of CNG systems in vehicles, as well as the use of high-quality products in Nigeria.

The Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, made the announcement in a statement issued on Sunday in celebration of World Standards Day in Abuja. The theme of this year’s event was “Our Shared Vision for a Better World: Standards for Changing the Climate.”

Okeke highlighted that the adoption of these international standards would help address concerns about the safety of CNG vehicles, especially in light of reports regarding explosions and other hazards linked to improper installations of CNG systems. He emphasized that the newly adopted standards would ensure that CNG products meet rigorous safety and quality benchmarks, which is essential for the country’s transition to more sustainable energy solutions.

He said, “Standards are critical in supporting the development of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable practices. SON, in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda, has adopted 88 international standards for CNG products to ensure the success of CNG initiatives.”

Additionally, Okeke revealed that SON is part of the committee responsible for developing the Natural Gas Vehicles Monitoring System, which oversees the implementation of CNG systems in vehicles to guarantee the use of quality products. The organisation has also conducted factory visits to China and India to certify CNG components, prioritizing safety and quality assurance.

As the country faces challenges posed by climate change, Okeke stressed the importance of standards in implementing effective mitigation strategies. He assured that SON is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Nigeria through standardization, fostering consumer confidence, and improving the global competitiveness of locally made products.

The statement concluded by emphasizing the role of international collaboration in aligning standards bodies with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that international standards offer practical solutions to global challenges.