By Olasunkami Onifade/Daniel Obaje
Alfa Designs Nigeria Limited has unveiled a suite of digital and engineering solutions aimed at curbing gas explosions and strengthening safety compliance in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
The innovations were presented at the headquarters of the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Friday.
They include the Cylindron application for monitoring gas cylinders, Optical Gas Imaging technology for leak detection, and other platforms designed to enhance safety, environmental protection and operational efficiency.
Speaking, Mr Shittu Ismail, Asset Integrity Lead at Alfa designs Nigeria Limited, said the adoption of digital solutions such as the Cylindron application would enhance accountability and ensure that only certified cylinders remain in circulation.
He explained that the platform uses QR code technology to track cylinder status and enforce compliance with safety standards.
“Any cylinder that does not meet the minimum safety requirements should be taken out of service. If a cylinder is due for inspection, it must be inspected before refilling.
“The system ensures that only facilities and assets with full compliance are allowed to operate, whether in LPG or CNG sectors,” he said.
Ismail added that adherence to standards such as periodic maintenance, facility licensing and material quality control would significantly reduce accidents caused by human error and substandard cylinders.
Also speaking, Enna Victory, the cylindron project coordinator, said the innovation was developed to address recurring gas explosions linked to damaged and poorly maintained cylinders.
According to her, in spite of regulatory standards, enforcement has remained weak and this is creating safety gaps.
“What we are doing is not to replace regulators but to complement their work by monitoring the day-to-day usage of gas cylinders.
“With this application, every cylinder can be inspected, tracked, and categorised as fit for use, repairable, or rejected based on established standards,” she said.
Victory noted that the system would also support Nigeria’s transition to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) by ensuring that cylinders in circulation meet safety requirements.
In her presentation, Joy Uku, Genesis New Vision (GNV) representative, highlighted the application, describing it as a multi-functional platform designed to promote social interaction, charity, health awareness, innovation and environmental sustainability.
“The goal is to build a better future by creating a platform where people can connect, support causes, track their health and bring innovative ideas to life,” she said.
Uku added that the app also provides opportunities for young people to showcase and develop ideas through collaboration.
On environmental safety, Oghobi Sandra, explained that the Optical Gas Imaging technology could detect invisible gas leaks and quantify emissions in oil and gas facilities.
“This system can detect even the smallest gas leaks and help facilities comply with environmental standards while reducing risks,” she said.
She added that the company was also building local capacity by training Nigerians to operate the technology.
Oghoro Priscilla, the Safe Box Delivery representative, who presented the Safe Delivery Box innovation, said the solution was designed to enhance trust and security in the delivery sector.
According to her, the system integrates GPS tracking, tamper detection and secure access through one-time passwords to prevent theft and interference with goods while on transit.
“This solution will help reduce cases of tampering and loss of items during delivery, while improving customer confidence and efficiency in logistics services,” she said. (NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz
