Arewa Unity Forum Calls For Urgent Enhanced Oversight and Quality Assurance In The Importation Of CNG Kits Into Nigeria

"With greater collaboration, transparency, and proactive regulation, Nigeria can establish a robust and respected CNG ecosystem that ensures the safety of its citizens and the sustainability of its energy future". Area Unity Forum.

A group known as the Arewa Unity Forum (AUF) has expressed concern over the influx of substandard Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) kits and cylinders into the Nigerian market.

The group said, "As the nation embraces a cleaner, more sustainable energy future, it is imperative that safety and quality standards are not compromised.

In a press statement made available to newsmen by the group, it stated that, "President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown strong commitment to ensuring that Nigerians benefit from a well-structured, reliable, and cost-effective CNG policy. 

"His administration’s bold steps toward energy transition deserve every support. However, it is disheartening to note that some individuals within or around the corridors of power are allegedly undermining this national agenda by facilitating the importation of substandard CNG kits into the country.

The statement signed by the National Chairman of the Forum, H.E. Nasiru Umar (Chakis) Dutsinma, revealed that, "Recent reports reaching the Forum indicate that some CNG kits may be entering the country through channels that bypass established quality assurance protocols. 

"This development presents serious safety, environmental, and reputational risks.

"We draw the attention of the Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and other relevant authorities to a recent, though isolated, incident involving a CNG cylinder explosion. 

"Preliminary investigations suggest potential lapses in quality control and certification processes. While isolated, this incident underscores the urgent need for strengthened regulatory oversight and quality assurance.

"There is growing concern that some certifications may have been issued without thorough verification of manufacturers’ credentials or adherence to international production standards. A systematic review is essential to ensure only safe, certified products reach the Nigerian market.

The Group recommended that, Mandatory Sourcing from OEMs:

 *  Require that all imported CNG kits be sourced directly from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), not intermediaries, to ensure traceability and accountability.

Verification Prior to Entry:

  *  Enforce mandatory verification of manufacturers’ facilities and their international certifications before granting customs clearance or market access.

Certification Audit:

 *  Conduct a comprehensive audit of all CNG kit import certifications issued over the past 12 months to confirm compliance with both Nigerian and international safety standards.

Enforcement Actions:

 *  Immediately suspend and investigate any importer or distributor linked to uncertified or substandard CNG components.

Inter-Agency Coordination:

  * Strengthen collaboration between SON, Nigerian Customs Service, Port Authorities, and other regulatory bodies to enforce rigorous inspections at entry points.

Public Awareness Campaign:

 *  Launch a nationwide campaign to educate technicians, conversion workshops, and vehicle owners on identifying certified and approved CNG kits.

Penalties and Support:

 *  Institute clearly defined penalties for violations, alongside incentives and support for importers and distributors that meet regulatory standards.

The Arewa Unity Forum fully supports the Federal Government’s efforts to transition to cleaner energy. This call is not about casting blame but about seizing an opportunity to strengthen the integrity of Nigeria’s energy transformation.

With greater collaboration, transparency, and proactive regulation, Nigeria can establish a robust and respected CNG ecosystem that ensures the safety of its citizens and the sustainability of its energy future. The statement reads