Updated: Exploded CNG car in Benin illegally converted, used fake parts – NIPCO, PCNGi 

The Presidential CNG Initiative has said the car explosion that occurred on Wednesday at a filling station in Benin City, Edo State, was caused by illegal conversion of a petrol vehicle to run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

The management of NIPCO Gas Limited also in a separate statement attributed the explosion at its CNG station in Benin to a fake and substandard CNG cylinder installed in the vehicle.

The newly retrofitted CNG-powered car exploded at the NIPCO filling station, causing panic in the area with many injured people rushed to the hospital.

Video footage circulating on social media shows the aftermath, with the vehicle severely damaged and people in the area rushing to assist the injured.

Comparing the high cost of petrol to cheaper CNG, about 70% is said to be saved running a vehicle on the CNG.

Findings by newstrends also show that conversion from petrol to CNG will cost ₦1.5 million, depending on the engine size.

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PCNGi speaks

Reacting to the incident on Thursday, the Presidential CNG Initiative said on its X page, “The unfortunate incident involved an illegally modified vehicle at a NIPCO CNG Station at Ikpoba Hill in Benin City on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.

“The PCNGi commiserate with those injured in this avoidable incident, and is thankful that no lives were lost.”

NIPCO reacts

In a statement, NIPCO said, “The management of NIPCO Gas Ltd wishes to inform the general public of an incident that occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at our Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station located in Eyean, Benin City, Edo State.

“Our preliminary findings revealed that the explosion happened when a vehicle arrived for CNG refueling.

“Unfortunately, the cylinder installed in the vehicle was later identified as a fake, fabricated, substandard unit not designed for CNG.

“It exploded after being filled with just around 4 SCM of gas.

“The driver of the vehicle fled the scene immediately following the explosion. “While no fatalities were recorded, two individuals sustained injuries — one with a leg injury and another with an eye injury.

“Both victims were rushed to the hospital for medical attention, and one of them is scheduled for surgery at another facility, based on medical advice. Our team is ensuring that they receive the necessary care and treatment.”

Carloha promotes CNG at NATCO 2024, delights with Arrizo 5 conversion display 

Carloha, assembler of Chery brand of vehicles in Nigeria, has joined a league of prominent auto firms promoting the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a sustainable vehicle fuel option in the country.

This was demonstrated by its spectacular display at the just concluded Nigerian Artisans and Technicians Conference (NATCO) held in Lagos where it showcased the Chery Arrizo 5’s CNG conversion capability, a significant step towards more eco-friendly transportation solutions in Nigeria.

The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi) was launched last year under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to ease the impact of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians by reducing energy costs.

Although the NATCO event organised in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment took place a week ago on October 10, 2024, the Chery Arrizo CNG demonstration was found captivating and made a lasting impression on the automobile technicians and artisans in attendance.

It was indeed a major highlight of the event as Arrizo 5 CNG technology shows a combination of Chery’s modern design aesthetics with state-of-the-art technology, making it a stand-out option for eco-conscious consumers.

The vehicle is said to offer impressive fuel efficiency that translates to lower running costs for everyday drivers, with lower carbon emissions, contributing to a cleaner, greener future for Nigeria’s roads.

Carloha’s technical team at the event said the system allows a driver of the vehicle to switch from CNG to petrol and vise versa, giving people flexibility, cost savings, and a lower environmental footprint.

The technicians were impressed with the vehicle’s adaptability and ease of use, receiving practical insights into the CNG system, maintenance tips, and the long-term benefits for Nigerian drivers and mechanics alike.

Aftersales Manager at Carloha Nigeria, Mr. Samson Akinbowale, said, “This demonstration at NATCO is part of Carloha’s commitment to introducing cutting-edge technology and more sustainable energy options to the Nigerian automobile sector.

“We recognise the vital role technicians and artisans play in vehicle maintenance and are committed to empowering them with the knowledge and tools to adapt to this new wave of automotive innovation.”

The Conference convener, Mr. Dayo Bello, expressing appreciating Carloha Nigeria, said, “We are very grateful to all our supporters, especially Carloha, for the Chery display and CNG demonstration.

“We are equally glad to see that great things are beginning to happen in the automotive sectors, especially the assembling of new vehicles and the conversion of CNG interface with petrol engines that will help to save the cost of transportation in Nigeria.”

A statement by Carloha says it is proud to be at the forefront of promoting sustainable driving solutions in Nigeria, and the NATCO Conference was a testament to our ongoing efforts to introduce innovative vehicles that align with global environmental standards.

Carloha is the official dealer of Chery vehicles in Nigeria, offering a wide range of models that cater to diverse customer needs.

It says, “With a focus on innovation and sustainability, Carloha is dedicated to providing Nigerian motorists with cutting-edge automotive solutions, alongside excellent customer service and after-sales support.

“Carloha Nigeria offers a remarkable 6-year warranty/200,000 kilometres, 6-year free service on all Chery vehicles, a flexible auto financing solution with the best price for all vehicles, and 247 services and parts support nationwide.

“This ensures that owners can enjoy their Chery with confidence, knowing they have reliable support and service from Chery for years to come.”

Fuel: Minister, gov, operators head for Transport Summit to seek solutions 

*Organisers unveil guest discussants

As Nigerians grapple with the realities of fuel subsidy removal and its ripple effects, Minister of Transportation Senator Sai’du Ahmed Alkali, will lead stakeholders in the transport sector to a solution-based national discourse tagged ‘2024 Nigeria Transport Summit’.

According to the organisers of the programme, Transportation Correspondents Association of Nigeria, the event holding on October 17, 2024 at Radisson Hotel, Lagos, will bring together critical stakeholders to brainstorm on the need for all modes of transport to work in harmony to avoid over reliance on road transportation.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Chairman, Transportation Correspondents Association of Nigeria (TCAN), Yinka Aderibigbe, and Chairman, Local Organising Committee, Rasheed Bisiriyu.

Other personalities that have indicated willingness to participate in the event are Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, as Keynote Speaker.

It also said speakers drawn from the transport industry and academia would present papers during the one day event with the theme, “Intermodal Transport: Prospects and Challenges”.

The paper presentations will dissect issues bordering on waterways transportation and hazards, cargo evacuation processes from the ports, multimodal accident investigations, among other transport-related issues.

Some of those listed as key discussants are Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi; Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Fidet Okhiria; Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) Engr. Abimbola Akinajo; and Director General, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, Capt. Alex Barde (Jnr.).

Others are National President of Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria, Olusegun Obayendo; Lagos Area Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Engr. Sarat Braimah; former military commandant at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Group Capt. John Ojikutu (retd.) and Deputy President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr Olusegun Musa.

The association noted that for the nation to come out of the present economic quagmire, the potential of the transportation sector must be well harnessed through intermodal operation in line with the global best practice.