The Federal Government has announced the adoption of 88 international standards for Compressed Natural Gas (products as part of its effort to enhance the nationwide rollout of various CNG initiatives.
This decision is aimed at ensuring the smooth integration of CNG systems into vehicles and the use of high-quality products throughout Nigeria.
According to The PUNCH, this development was revealed by the Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke,, in a statement commemorating the World Standards Day in Abuja.
The celebration, which focuses on the theme, ‘Our Shared Vision for a Better World: Standards for Changing the Climate’, seeks to raise public awareness about the pivotal role standards play in advancing industrialization and driving economic growth.
Concerns surrounding the adoption of CNG in Nigeria have been mounting recently, with particular focus on safety risks such as explosions resulting from improperly installed or maintained systems.
These incidents have prompted calls for tighter regulations and better oversight to mitigate such dangers.
In response to these safety concerns, Dr. Okeke emphasized that the Federal Government’s adoption of international standards is aimed at addressing such risks by ensuring that CNG products in Nigeria meet strict safety and quality requirements.
This initiative is intended to support the broader goal of transitioning to cleaner, sustainable energy solutions.
“Standards are crucial in achieving these goals and in facilitating the development of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable practices,” Okeke noted.
He further added that “SON, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda, has adopted 88 international standards for Compressed Natural Gas products to support the success of CNG initiatives.”
SON has also taken proactive steps to ensure the quality of CNG components by conducting factory inspections in China and India, two major suppliers of CNG-related products, to certify the safety and quality of these components.
Okeke highlighted that these inspections underscore SON’s commitment to guaranteeing the safety of CNG systems used in Nigeria.
“SON has also conducted factory visits to China and India to certify CNG components and kits, prioritising safety and quality assurance. As we navigate the challenges of climate change, we must acknowledge that standards are vital for successfully implementing mitigation strategies,” Okeke said.
Furthermore, SON is actively involved in the development of the Natural Gas Vehicles Monitoring System, which will oversee the implementation of CNG systems in vehicles nationwide.
The system aims to enforce the use of quality CNG products, ensuring public safety and fostering confidence in Nigeria’s transition to more sustainable energy practices.
Okeke reaffirmed SON’s commitment to improving lives through standardization, stressing that their work is not only crucial for local industries but also helps enhance the global competitiveness of Nigerian products.
“Let me assure you that SON is dedicated to improving life through standardization and quality assurance, fostering consumer confidence, and enhancing the global competitiveness of Made-in-Nigeria products,” he stated.
Okeke concluded by emphasizing the need for international collaboration in addressing global challenges, noting that standards play a critical role in aligning national efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals.
“Through global collaboration, standards bodies around the world align their activities with the Sustainable Development Goals for peace, prosperity, and the welfare of people and the planet. International standards offer practical solutions which we must all identify with to become part of the solution since they are the backbone of global progress,” he said.
