NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
FG launches life-jacket safety initiative

FG launches life-jacket safety initiative

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Life-jacket

By Diana Omueza

The Federal Government has launched a Life-Jacket Initiative, urging water commuters to prioritise safety and adhere strictly to guidelines to prevent recurring boat mishaps nationwide.

Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, disclosed this in a statement on Friday by Mrs Anastasia Ogbonna, Director of Information and Communications.

Oyetola was represented by Mr Hussieni Shettima, Director of Marine Conservation, Innovation and Technology, at the launch of the Life-Jacket Initiative in Taraba.

He noted that distributing life-jackets is part of the government’s continued efforts to improve safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways.

“The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, in collaboration with the Taraba government, has taken a major step to enhance water transport safety.

“A crucial batch of life-jackets was officially handed over to the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Jalingo Area Office, today.

“This milestone marks an important phase in the ongoing campaign to reduce accidents on Taraba State’s waterways,” Oyetola said.

He emphasised that joint efforts between federal and state bodies would yield concrete, life-saving results for local water users.

Oyetola explained that the jackets would improve safety for those relying on the Benue, Donga, and Taraba rivers for travel and trade.

He stressed that long-term success depended on community compliance, continuous public awareness, and strong regulatory enforcement.

The Minister said providing safety equipment like life-jackets could significantly reduce accidents and ultimately save many lives. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor / Kamal Tayo Oropo

FG pledges commitment to dam safety

FG pledges commitment to dam safety

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By Tosin Kolade

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and resilience of Nigeria’s dams, describing them as strategic infrastructure essential for national development.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, made this known on Thursday at the opening of a two-day workshop on dam safety in Abuja.

The workshop is part of the stakeholder engagement activities under the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Project, which is supported by the World Bank.

Pheelangwah, was represented by Mr Moses Jo-Madugu, Director, Reforms Coordination in the ministry.

He said the government remained resolute in strengthening dam infrastructure to support irrigation, potable water supply, hydropower, and flood management.

“Dams are critical national assets, but they also present significant risks if not properly managed. Ensuring their safety is vital for protecting lives, livelihoods and property, and is also central to achieving the objectives of the SPIN Project,” he said.

He noted that the ministry was working closely with development partners to incorporate best practices in dam management, including early warning systems, emergency preparedness, and climate adaptation strategies.

According to him, the workshop provides a platform for knowledge sharing, technical learning, and collaboration among key actors in dam operations across the country.

He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that dams nationwide operate in accordance with the highest safety standards, adding that all owners must be guided by established safety frameworks.

Pheelangwah commended the World Bank, the TRIMING Project Management Team, and the organising committee for their support in convening the workshop.

He encouraged participants to engage actively and apply the lessons learned to improve dam safety management at all levels.

In his remarks, Dr Martins Eduvie, Acting Director-General of the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI), Kaduna, called for stronger institutional mechanisms to safeguard Nigeria’s more than 420 registered dams.

Eduvie stressed that although many dams serve crucial purposes such as water supply, irrigation, flood control, and energy generation, their management is sometimes underplayed.

He cited the recent incident in Mokwa, Niger, as a reminder of the consequences of poor infrastructure oversight.

According to him, the blockage of railway drainage channels by debris resulted in an unplanned impoundment of water, which led to destructive flooding when the water finally breached the obstruction.

He likened the Department of Dams to a regulatory watchdog, stating that it should operate with the same rigour as anti-corruption agencies.

“With more than 420 dams in the country, the Department of Dams should serve as the EFCC of dam safety. All dams must be properly registered, routinely inspected, and certified with valid safety permits,” he said.

Eduvie also commended efforts to adopt safety standards approved by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, stating that such measures would enhance the country’s dam management framework.

“Dam safety goes beyond technical concerns; it is a national priority. We must treat it as such in our daily planning and operations,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Ali Dallah, Director of Dams and Reservoir Operations in the ministry, said the safety of Nigeria’s dams must not be taken lightly, considering the role they play in supporting food production, water access, electricity, and flood control.

He noted that many of the country’s dams are ageing and face growing threats from climate change, catchment degradation, and unregulated urban development.

“This workshop is both timely and strategic. It allows us to assess our current position and chart a clear path towards establishing a sustainable dam safety culture,” Dallah said.

He added that the ministry was working to finalise a National Dam Safety Management Framework and review technical guidelines in alignment with international best practices, including those set by the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD).

In his lead paper presentation, Mr Alabi Daisi called for the integration of host communities into dam safety efforts, noting that their local knowledge and proximity to dam structures make them valuable early-warning actors.

Daisi underscored the importance of educating communities on how to identify and report signs of distress around dam infrastructure.

He also advocated for stronger enforcement of regulations, saying unapproved construction of dams and irrigation systems still happen in some parts of the country.

He stated that all dam owners should maintain structured safety management systems that address routine operations, maintenance, and emergency response.

Highlighting the development of a national risk index tool, Daisi noted that future rehabilitation efforts must be based on risk severity, not political considerations.

He warned that unless root causes of structural issues are addressed, interventions would remain superficial.

The workshop featured technical sessions on inspection protocols, emergency planning, safety assessments, and the use of digital tools for dam monitoring.

Participants included engineers, hydrologists, disaster risk experts, state officials, and representatives of development agencies working in the water and energy sectors. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Rail transport on Warri-Itakpe corridor safe, operational – NRC

Rail transport on Warri-Itakpe corridor safe, operational – NRC

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Train

By Chiazo Ogbolu

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) says the rail transport on Warri-Itakpe (WITS) corridor is safe and operational.

The Ag. Deputy Director, Public Relations, NRC, Mr Callistus Unyimadu, said this, in a statement, in Lagos.

“The attention of the NRC has been drawn to a widely circulated social media massage warning the public to avoid train travel, particularly along Warri – Itakpe rail corridor.

“The message, accompanied by a short video showing removed rail clips, falsely claims that rail transport is currently unsafe and urges passengers to cancel travel plans.

“We wish to categorically state that this information is misleading and unfounded,” he said.

Unyimadu noted that the identified incident, which involved the temporary removal of some rail clips at a specific location on the corridor, was promptly detected during routine inspection and was immediately rectified by NRC maintenance team.

“All necessary safety and operational protocols were strictly followed to ensure that no threat was posed to passengers or the integrity of the train operations.

“Indeed, the Warri-Itakpe train (WITS) has successfully passed through affected section without any incident, further confirming the safety of the route,” he said.

He pointed out that the NRC remained committed to the highest standards of safety and security in all its operations.

He added that NRC tracks and rolling stock are under constant surveillance and maintenance and NRC personnel are fully equipped to address any issues that may arise in real time.

“We, therefore, urge the public to disregard the viral message and continue to use our train services with full confidence.

“Any attempt to spread fear or discourage the use of rail transport undermines the progress being made in the sector and should be condemned.

“Train services on the Warri-Itakpe corridor and all other NRC corridors remain safe, reliable and fully operational.

“For official update and travel advisory, we encourage passengers to rely only on verified NRC communication channels,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

Institute urges FG to harness new technologies to boost food safety

Institute urges FG to harness new technologies to boost food safety

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By Olasunkanmi Onifade

Nigeria Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST), FCT Chapter, has urged the Federal Government to harness the power of next-generation food science and technology to guarantee food safety.

The President and Chairman, NIFST Governing Council, Bola Osinowo, said this on Thursday at the 11th Regional Food Summit and NIFST Day celebration held in Abuja.

The event had its theme as “Next-Generation Food Science and Technology Solutions for Nation Building”.

“Food science offers solutions through biofortification, breeding crops to naturally contain higher levels of vital vitamins and minerals.

“Imagine what we can achieve with cassava enriched with Vitamin A or maize with increased iron content, reaching communities most in need.

“We can also leverage advanced food processing to fortify staple foods with essential nutrients, making healthy diets more accessible,” he said.

Osinowo said food was the foundation of life and the bedrock of national stability.

According to him, a nation’s development is intricately linked to its capacity to produce, distribute, and consume nutritious food efficiently.

He said historically, advances in food science -such as the Green Revolution – had transformed societies from hunger and malnutrition to abundance and prosperity.

“In Nigeria, a significant portion of our agricultural output is lost due to inadequate storage and processing.

“Next-generation solutions like novel preservation techniques, intelligent packaging that extends shelf life and efficiency can address the challenge.

“Similarly, cold chain logistics, powered by Internet of Things (IoT), can drastically reduce this wastage, ensuring more food reaches our tables.

“Beyond just quantity, we must focus on nutritional security. Hidden hunger – the deficiency of essential micronutrients, affects millions and hinders national productivity,” he said.

The Director-General, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha said to fully harness innovations, the government and stakeholders should have a dynamic curriculum on genomics, proteomics and nutrigenomics.

Mustapha, who was represented by Director, Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics, Mrs Shakirat Solebo, called for expanded access to innovation, grants, venture capital and improved  Public – Private Partnerships (PPPs).

He also said there was a need to establish centres of excellence for youths and women in agro technology.

Mustapha said the future of food security and economic growth was in sustainable innovations.

According to him, this can be achieved by embracing biotechnology and digital agriculture.

The Director-General,  Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) , Ifeanyichukwu, Okeke said embracing innovative solutions would create a more resilient and sustainable food system.

Okeke, who was represented by the Group Head, Healthcare Group Standardisation, SON, Mrs Uduak Udoso said SON remained committed to supporting the innovative initiatives.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NIFST was established in 1976.

It provides  professional support to individuals, public and private institutions in the food industry by  promoting food science and technology, (NAN)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Wike announces plans to overhaul FCT transport’s sector  

Wike announces plans to overhaul FCT transport’s sector  

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says plans have been concluded to introduce reforms in the FCT transportation sector to improve safety and comfort.

Wike said this in Abuja on Friday, after he inspected the completed Kugbo and Mabushi Bus and Taxi Terminals in preparation for inauguration to celebrate President Bola Tinubu second year in office.

The minister also inspected the completed access road to Giri District, which is also ready for inauguration.

Wike said that there would be a lot of reforms, adding that a lot of things would happen in the transportation sector in the FCT.

He said that a committee was already working on the reforms, which would be ready before the bus and taxi terminals would be inaugurated.

“Obviously a lot of things will happen in the transport sector in the FCT. There will be a lot of reforms

“Because as part of security measures, we must know those involved in taxi business and what colour to use, so that if anything happens, we will be able to identify them.

“Just be assured that we are doing everything possible to strengthen our transportation system,” he said.

The minister added that the FCT Administration was working to remove a lot of motor parks on the road.

Speaking of the quality of the project, Wike expressed satisfaction with the delivery of the project, adding however, that he has pointed out some areas that needs to be corrected.

He commended the contractor, which he said had done his best, and promised to continue to support local contractors to give the best to Nigerians.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Kugbo and Mabushi and Central Area Bus and Taxi Terminals were constructed as part of efforts to improve the transportation system in the FCT.

While that of Kugbo and Mabushi terminals were ready for inauguration, the one at central area is under construction.

The minister also revealed that two additional terminals would be constructed, one each in Bwari and Gwagwalada. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

FG to repatriate 15,000 Nigerians stranded abroad

FG to repatriate 15,000 Nigerians stranded abroad

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By Jacinta Nwachukwu

The Federal Government says discussions are ongoing on how 15,000 Nigerians stranded in Cameroon, Niger, Chad and other parts of the world will be returned to Nigeria in safety and dignity.

Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), disclosed this at a media briefing on Friday in Abuja.

Ahmed revealed that no fewer than six million people are displaced in Nigeria while thousands of refugees are living elsewhere across the world.

“We have 15,000 Nigerians that want to return to the country voluntarily and we also have not less than 100,000 foreigners living in this country as refugees.

“All these are the responsibilities of the commission, to give them support,” he said.

While reiterating government’s tireless efforts to ensure safe return of the displaced persons, Ahmed thanked President Bola Tinubu for the support given to the commission and the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry.

The  NCFRMI boss also disclosed that Nigeria would be hosting the first thematic meeting under its chairmanship of the Rabat Process with more than 100 delegates from the 57 partner countries in attendance.

It would be recalled that Nigeria assumed chairmanship of the Rabat Process – a Euro-African dialogue on migration and development – in January, 2025.

Ahmed said that the meeting, scheduled for May 13 and May 14, themed, “Youth, Innovation and Education: Driving the Future of Migration”, would pave the way for bilateral discussions between Nigeria and other countries, leading to better migration governance

“Membership in these platforms provides opportunities for knowledge transfer and better migration management.

“Nigeria’s leadership in the Rabat Process is seen as an advantage, despite its being a one-year term,” he added.

The federal commissioner also outlined the challenges in managing migration, including the need for adequate advocacy to inform younger generations about legal migration pathways.

“There is a need to educate migrants about the consequences of irregular migration, including negative outcomes.

“The focus should be on advocating for legal migration pathways to reduce the number of irregular migrants.

“Regular migration involves moving through legal channels, while irregular migration often involves dangerous and illegal methods.

“Irregular migration can lead to hardship and danger, with many migrants unable to return to their home country,” he said

Ahmed, therefore, called for better coordination and support from various stakeholders, including the media to enhance migration governance. (NAN)

Edited by Bukola Adeoye/ Rotimi Ijikanmi

Water transportation: FG distributes 42,000 life jackets to states

Water transportation: FG distributes 42,000 life jackets to states

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By Rita Iliya

The Federal Government has begun the distribution of 42,000 life jackets to 12 states across the country to enhance safe water transportation.

Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, commenced the distribution at the 2025 Safety and Sensitisation/Enlightenment Campaign in Minna on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative was to promote the use of life jackets reduce loss of lives and property on inland waterways across country.

“Today’s event embodies our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians who rely daily on our inland waterways for transportation, commerce, and sustenance,” Oyetola said.

He attributed the rising incidence of boat mishaps to human error, mechanical failures, adverse weather, and poor safety equipment.

The minister added that inland waterway boat mishaps was a complex factor that required urgent action.

He said 3,500 life jackets would be given to each of the states.

Oyetola urged state governments, community leaders, boat operators, and the commuting public to support the deployment, utilisation, and strict enforcement of use of safety gears.

He commended Gov. Mohammed Bago of Niger for his efforts toward improving riverine transportation within the state.

He said that the initiative was part of Federal Government’s efforts to develop sustainable solutions to boat mishaps.

He announced the establishment of a Special Committee on Boat mishaps to review incidents, identify systemic deficiencies, and propose measures to eliminate accidents.

In his address, the governor commended the minister for initiating the distribution of life jackets to 12 states starting with Niger.

Bago, represented by Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, Speaker of Niger House of Assembly, said the state had experienced numerous boat accidents in the country.

Bago emphasised the need for safety measures to curtail such incidences and called on the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the life jackets to save lives and promote safety.

Hajiya Hadiza Kuta, Commissioner for Transport in Niger, noted that the state had stationed water marshals in all 25 local government areas of the state.

She said the marshals are to enforce safety regulations and prevent accidents in the waterways across the state.

She emphasised the importance of continued collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to ensure the effectiveness of the safety measures.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, expressed gratitude to the minister for the life jacket distribution.

He highlighted the minister’s commitment to service, noting that the initiative was a testament to his dedication to humanity.(NAN)
Edited by Joe Idika

Experts advocate adoption of NavAid drones to enhance Airspace Safety

Experts advocate adoption of NavAid drones to enhance Airspace Safety

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By Gabriel Agbeja

Mr Bobga Danjuma, President of Livia Soft Company in the US, has urged African countries to adopt modern aviation equipment to enhance airspace safety.

Danjuma gave this advice on Thursday in Abuja at an executive workshop on NavAid drones, with the theme ‘Advancing in Air Navigation and Safety.’

He stated that modern aviation equipment would improve safety, efficiency, sustainability, and capacity building across Africa.

Danjuma urged African countries to adopt advanced tools like the NavAid Drone, a cutting-edge technology transforming the aerospace industry.

“Africa needs this technology to help navigate airports and runways without relying on expensive aircraft-based calibration,” he said.

He explained that drone-based navigation is a cheaper alternative. Within weeks, an operator can learn to fly a NavAid drone, even in strong winds.

“The barrier to entry for using NavAid drones is very low, making this innovation beneficial for Nigeria and the entire continent,” he added.

Danjuma said NavAid drones reduce calibration costs for navigation aid systems while also lowering carbon emissions.

Also, Mr Luc Haeberle, Managing Director of Colibrex Smart Drone Solution, explained that NavAid drones calibrate Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), which guide aircraft during landings.

“NavAid drones ensure precise calibration of navigation aids, minimising errors and enhancing safety,” he said.

He noted that regular drone-based calibration improves reliability, reduces accident risks, and ensures compliance with regulatory standards.

In his welcome address, Mr Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, highlighted the importance of air navigation and safety.

Represented by Mr Michael Chukwu, Director of Safety, Keyamo said growing air traffic demands more innovative, efficient, and reliable solutions.

“I warmly welcome you to this workshop, where we explore NavAid drones’ groundbreaking role in shaping aerospace development,” he said.

Keyamo stated that the workshop would deepen participants’ understanding of air navigation challenges and how advanced drone technology is revolutionising the industry.

“NavAid drones represent the future—enhancing safety, streamlining operations, cutting costs, and promoting sustainability,” he added.

He said participants would witness a live demonstration of the NavAid drone and discuss real-world applications with industry experts. (NAN)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Stakeholders hail Nigeria‘s efforts at aviation safety

Stakeholders hail Nigeria‘s efforts at aviation safety

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Safety

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

Some aviation stakeholders have expressed satisfaction at the efforts of the Federal Government in ensuring air transport safety.

The stakeholders made their views known in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

They advised the government to intensify efforts at aviation safety.

A former spokesman for the Federal Airports Authority (FAAN), Mr Yakubu Dati, told NAN that FAAN and the Nigerian Airspace Management Authority (NAMA) had shown commitment to improved air transport.

According to Dati, Nigeria has recorded reduced air incidents.

He expressed delight at inter-agency collaboration in the aviation sector.

He praised the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, for efforts in taking Nigeria’s aviation industry to greater heights.

“I want to commend the aviation authorities for collaborating and ensuring that safety remains a priority because, at the end of the day, aviation is hinged on safety.

“However, more needs to be done, of course, in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation standards to be able to ensure that we operate on the same platform with others.

“I also want to commend FAAN for mainstreaming the issue of training.

“It is when you have a trained manpower that you will be able to compete and operate internationally, especially in the area of safety and security,” Dati said.

Mr Ekip Eso, the President of Akwacross Aviation Professionals Association, hailed NCAA for effective regulatory functions.

Eso said that FAAN was ensuring that airport runways were intact, carrying out rehabilitation when necessary.

“The runway has been de-rubberised. FAAN ensures removal of aircraft tyre coatings from the runway because, for every aircraft landing, the tyres are coating on the runway.

“That coating is being removed, which is called de-rubberising. This will enhance the friction.

“On the side of NAMA, it is working on navigational services, it is training and re-training air traffic controllers.

“It has worked on its radios, navigational facilities are up to date, they are all functioning.

“When you aggregate all these functions, it will sum up to what Nigeria is doing to ensure a safe airspace,” he said.

Eso, however, urged more trainings for aviation personnel and procurement of all relevant equipment.

The Chairman of Air Peace Ltd., Dr Allen Onyema, had at a recent event to mark the 25th anniversary of the NCAA, said that the authority’s thorough and safety-centred oversight function had directly impacted the safety records of Nigerian airlines.

According to Onyema, as Nigeria strives to position itself as a leading force in global civil aviation, it should acknowledge its giant strides.

“Focus on safety has directly influenced the excellent safety records of Nigerian airlines,” he said.

According to NAMA’s Managing Director, Mr Umar Farouk, the authority has successfully installed the Instrument Landing System in some airports to ensure seamless navigation.

Farouk, represented by NAMA’s Director of Air Traffic Services, Mr John Tayo, told a stakeholders meeting recently that the agency had also resolved an issue with radio frequencies 127.3 and 120.9 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

Also, the Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, said that de-rubberisation of runways across the country had been a top priority of FAAN to ensure safety.

“We have also deployed additional equipment for friction testing,” Kuku said at the stakeholders meeting.

She added that FAAN had made significant progress in wildlife management although still faced with bird strikes. (NAN)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

P-CNGi urges Nigerians to patronise certified CNG conversion centres

P-CNGi urges Nigerians to patronise certified CNG conversion centres

492 total views today

 

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGi), has urged Nigerians to patronise only government-certified CNG conversion workshop centres across the country for safety.

 

P-CNGi Programme Director/Chief Executive, Mr Michael Oluwagbemi, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Abuja.

 

Oluwagbemi warned against patronising illegal conversion centres and locally fabricated cylinders by quacks in an attempt to convert patrol vehicles to CNG.

 

He advised Nigerians to visit the P-CNGi website – www.pci.gov.ng to see the list of government approved conversion centres.

 

NAN reports that the P-CNGi is a component of the palliative intervention of Tinubu’s administration, designed to provide succour to Nigerians suffering from the hardship created by fuel subsidy removal.

 

Sequel to the fuel subsidy removal and full deregulation of the petroleum products market, the price of fuel increased significantly, creating a need for alternative sources of energy such as CNG and electric vehicles.

 

However, Nigerians are still sceptical about its usage and have raised concerns about its security, safety and affordability of conversion kits.

 

Speaking on its safety, the programme director said that CNG was lighter, adding that air dissipates quickly, thereby, reducing fire risks in a contained environment.

 

On regulation, Oluwagbemi said that the regulatory standard was approved by Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to cover the CNG conversion industry.

 

He added the Nigeria Gas Vehicle Monitoring System on the other hand, regulates and monitors all gas-powered vehicles.

 

“Natural gas is safer than petrol and diesel and our aim is to transition Nigeria to the use of a safer, cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy source.

 

“The P-CNGi has been promoting the use of CNG through various policies and initiatives since the commencement of the project in 2024.

 

“This also includes public awareness and enhancing adoption by Nigerians,” he said.

 

He said that the CNG programme began with seven centres and was able to increase the centres to 193 in 2024.

 

The P-CNGi boss said that there were currently about 30 conversion centres in FCT alone, while Lagos has more than 70 centres.

 

He said that President Bola Tinubu’s administration targets one million converted vehicles by 2027 from the current 30,000 to 50,000 CNG converted trucks and vehicles across the country.

 

Oluwagbemi stressed that CNG was safer than patrol, adding that there had been no incident of failure so far, except for one incident in Edo, in 2024.

 

He attributed the incident to the use of locally fabricated cylinders by quarks, who were injured while attempting to fill the cylinder for the first time.

 

“The three persons were immediately arrested and have been charged to court for economic sabotage,” he said.

 

Juxtaposing CNG’s incidents with petrol, the programme director pointed out the several incidents of petrol explosion recorded across the country, with high mortality rate.

 

He explained that methane and ethane, being the primary constituent of natural gas, were single chain linked hydrocarbons.

 

This, he said, contrasted with butane, propane and all linked chain hydrocarbons that constitute diesel, petrol, gasoline and LPG.

 

“Natural gas is lighter than air. We store it in bulletproof containers that are made of protective cylinders that are made of seamless pipe.

 

“This means there is no joint, unlike LPG cylinders that have welded joints.

 

“There are no joints, so it cannot leak. If it leaks, it escapes immediately to air. It has 1001-degree centigrade self-ignition temperature.

 

“So, it is 18 times less explosive than petrol, and eight times less explosive than diesel. If you are using a petrol vehicle, you are using a dangerous vehicle. You are sitting on a petrol bomb,” he warned.

 

The programme director further argued that the rate of fatality when a patrol vehicle exploded was nine out of 10, adding that patrol vehicles were more dangerous compared with CNG vehicles. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Philip Yatai

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