Federal Government Reassures Nigerians on CNG Safety After Kaduna Explosion
The Federal Government has moved to reassure Nigerians regarding the safety of compressed natural gas (CNG) in the wake of a recent explosion that destroyed vehicles at a motor park in Kaduna. This reassurance was issued by the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV), which confirmed that the incident is currently under investigation and urged the public to remain calm and avoid panic.
Government Statement on the Incident
In a statement released on Sunday, Onyekachi Eke, the Head of Brand and Communications for the Pi-CNG & EV Initiative, described the explosion as deeply unfortunate and expressed sympathy for those affected by the event. The government emphasized that CNG continues to be a safe and reliable energy source, highlighting its strong safety record both globally and within Nigeria.
Key points from the statement include:
- Natural gas, when properly handled and deployed, has maintained a robust safety record over years of use in Nigeria without similar incidents.
- CNG is described as a safe, reliable, and cost-effective fuel option that supports cleaner energy and improved air quality.
- The public is urged to remain calm and avoid speculation or sensational reporting while investigations are ongoing.
- Pi-CNG & EV remains fully committed to safety and will continue collaborating with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the highest standards across the sector.
Details of the Kaduna Explosion
The reassurance follows reports of an early morning explosion at Mando Motor Park in Kaduna, where three luxury buses powered by compressed natural gas were destroyed. The incident occurred around 3:00 a.m. on Sunday while the vehicles were parked in preparation for interstate trips. According to sources, no casualties were recorded, which has been a relief amidst the concerns raised by the explosion.
Commitment to Safety and Ongoing Efforts
The Federal Government reiterated its unwavering commitment to safety, assuring that it will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to uphold stringent standards across the CNG sector. Updates will be provided as investigations progress to ensure transparency and public confidence. This incident underscores the importance of rigorous safety protocols and public awareness in the adoption of alternative energy sources like CNG.
