In a bid to reduce emissions and promote sustainable eco-friendly environment, the Ogun State government has engaged relevant stakeholders towards ensuring a seamless conversion of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered.
Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said the programme would engage staffers on quality and safety inspections of CNG-powered vehicles and refueling stations by relevant regulators.
Oresanya spoke during a three-day workshop on Application of Nigerian Industrial Standard, organised by the Ministry, in conjunction with Standard Organisation Of Nigeria, (SON), in Abeokuta.
He argued that, in achieving a safe environment for CNG usage, synergy with other relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including Ministry of Transportation, Fire Services and those in charge of registration of gas stations, among others, must be adopted
The commissioner said, “Recent audits by the Ministry and its sister agency, Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), revealed a lot of safety gaps and poor orientation by the handlers of the CNG and other stakeholders had been the major cause of fire incidence experienced earlier in the year, which could have been averted if necessary measures were put in place.”
Oresanya stated that a safety desk had been set up to regulate and ensure safe manufacture, distribution and handling of all gases in the state, as well as division of gas handlers into commercial and industrial sectors.
He urged all stakeholders involved in the exercise to adhere to standards and prioritise safety such that both regulatory requirements and protection of the health and welfare of our communities were maintained.
On his part, Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Gbenga Dairo, said the present administration in the state was committed to supporting the laudable initiative due to its economic advantage and reduction of emission.
He noted that adequate enforcement and regulations must be adhered to for a safer environment.
In their separate goodwill messages, Director General, SON, Dr. Ifeanya Chukwunonso, represented by Director, Laboratory Service, David Ikhebome, and Managing Director, Safety Plus, Mrs. Omolara Odebunmi, expressed their organisations’ determination to ensure improvement in the quality of CNG products, underscoring the need to train staffers on CNG safety precautions and its usage with different vehicles.