AN OVERVIEW OF KEY SAFETY CONCERNS AND SUSTAINABILITY OF CNG RETROFITTED VEHICLES IN NIGERIA
Abstract
Compressed natural gas (CNG) is increasingly being advocated and adopted as an alternative fuel for vehicles in Nigeria due to its economic and environmental benefits. However, the retrofitting of vehicles to use CNG has raised safety concerns, particularly in a country like Nigeria where regulatory standards, enforcement, and public awareness may not be fully developed. An assessment of the key safety and sustainability of retrofitted CNG vehicles (CNGVs) focusing on factors such as the quality and durability of conversion kits and tanks, proper installation procedures, CNG storage, and refuelling are considered. While CNG is generally safer than traditional fuels like gasoline and diesel—requiring higher ignition temperatures and presenting less fire risk during leaks, the fear of regulatory oversight, inadequate safety standards, and limited technical expertise in vehicle retrofitting may pose significant challenges. Stronger regulations, public awareness campaigns, and technician training programs are advocated to ensure safe CNGV operations in Nigeria.
References
AFDC. Compressed Natural Gas Fueling Stations. [Online]. https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/natural-gas-cng-stations.
Ali Y., Younus A., Ullah A., & Alrefai A. H. (2024). Journal of Safety Science and Resilience Compressed Natural Gas ( CNG ) as a fuel and the associated risks: A quantitative analysis in the scenario of a developing country. Journal of Safety Science and Resilience, 5(3), 306316. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnlssr.2024.05.001. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnlssr.2024.05.001
Bhattacharjee G., Bhattacharya S., Neogi S. & Das S. K. (2010). CNG cylinder burst in a bus during gas filling Lesson learned. Safety Science, 48(10), 15161519. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2010.05.002. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2010.05.002
Berghmans J., & Maarten V. (2014). Safety aspects of CNG cars. International Symposium on Safety Science and Technology. Procedia Engineering, 84, 33 46. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877705814017287/pdf?md5=e9a66b01566bf175e939c72fa02554e4&pid=1-s2.0-S1877705814017287-main.pdf.
Horn L. (2019). Accident at Gas Station in Achern: Audi A3 Explodes while Refueling with Natural Gas. Focus Online. [Online]. https://m.focus.de/auto/ratgeber/sicherheit/ursache-fuer-audi-a3-gasexplosion-an-heiligabend-gefunden_id_10202289.html.
Ibeneme I. O., Harcourt, P., & Ighalo, J. O. (2020). Implementation of CNG as an Alternative Fuel for Automobiles in Nigeria: Benefits and Recommendations. International Journal of Engineering, 9(07), 15161522. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17577/IJERTV9IS070654
Igbojionu A., Anyadiegwu C., Anyanwu E., Obah B., & Muonagor C. (2019). Technical and Economic Evaluation of the Use of CNG as Potential Public Transport Fuel In Nigeria. Scientific African, 6, e00212, 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2019.e00212. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2019.e00212
Imran M., Yasmin T. & Shakoor, A. (2015). Technical Overview of Compressed Natural Gas ( CNG ) as a Transportation Fuel. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 51, 785797. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2015.06.053. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2015.06.053
Industries B. (2023). Comparison of CNG Cylinder Sizes: Choosing the Right Fit for Your Needs. [Online]. https://www.suppliercylinder.com/news/comparison-of-cng-cylinder-sizes-choosing-the-right-fit.html.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO 11439: Gas CylindersHigh-Pressure Cylinders for the On-Board Storage of Natural Gas as a Fuel For Automotive Vehicles. [Online]. https://www.iso.org/standard/44755.html.
Liu H., Khan I. A. & Zakari M. A. (2022). Roles of Trilemma in the World Energy Sector and Transition Towards Sustainable Energy: A Study of Economic Growth and the Environment. Energy Policy, 170(1), 19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2022.113238. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2022.113238
Molua O. C., Ukpene, A. O., Ighrakpata, F. C., Nwachuku, D. N., Ogwu, D. A. & Edobor, M. (2023). Optimization of Biogas Production from Tree Waste Materials for Bioresource Recovery. FUDMA Journal of Sciences (FJS), 7(6), 209213. https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2023-0706-2118%0A. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2023-0706-2118
Nelson S. C. (2002). Overview of the Safety Issues Associated with the Compressed Natural Gas Fuel System and Electric Drive System in a Heavy Hybrid Electric Vehicle. Oak Ridge National Laboratory. [Online]. https://doi.org/10.2172/885594. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2172/885594
Ochoga P. (2024). JUST-IN: Scores Injured As CNG-Powered Vehicle Explodes In Edo. Leadership. [Online]. https://leadership.ng/just-in-scores-injured-as-cng-powered-vehicle-explodes-in-edo/.
Ogunlowo O. O., Bristow A. L., & Sohail M. (2015). Developing Compressed Natural Gas as an Automotive Fuel in Nigeria: Lessons from International Markets. Energy Policy, 76, 717. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2014.10.025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2014.10.025
Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative. (2024). PCNGi. [Online]. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/mtHTQNEE39YM3E9C/?mibextid=xfxF2i.
Raheem I. O., Burari, F. W., Salihu, A., Abdulkareem, M. N., Aremu, B. G. and Rabiu, J. A. (2024). Assessment of CO2 Emission Due to Speed Bumps on Selected Highways in Bauchi State. FUDMA Journal of Sciences (FJS), 8(3), 9198. https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2024-0803-2477. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2024-0802-2477
Sanusi D. (2024). Nigerians Question CNGV Safety after Malaysia Sets 2025 Ban. The Punch Newspaper, https://punchng.com/nigerians-question-cng-vehicle-safety-after-malaysia-sets-2025-ban/.
Siqqique I. (2018). A blast at the CNG pump sends the auto driver flying through the air. Mumbai Mirror. [Online]. https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/other/blast-at-cng-pump-sends-auto-driver-flying-through-air/articleshow/66299340.cms.
Copyright (c) 2024 FUDMA JOURNAL OF SCIENCES
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
FUDMA Journal of Sciences
