Pi-CNG & EV Warns Motorists After Unauthorised CNG Cylinder Explodes in Abuja

The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV) has warned motorists against the use of unap...

The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV) has warned motorists against the use of unapproved gas cylinders in vehicles following an incident at a NIPCO gas filling station along Airport Road, Abuja. The incident occurred on Sunday, September 13, 2026, when a cylinder installed in a vehicle reportedly exploded while the vehicle was being refuelled with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). According to information from NIPCO, preliminary findings indicated that the cylinder fitted to the vehicle was not manufactured or certified for storing CNG in automobiles. The driver was reportedly apprehended following the incident and is expected to face legal action over the use of an unauthorised cylinder, which authorities said posed a danger to lives and property. Reacting to the incident, Pi-CNG & EV stressed that motorists must not use ordinary gas cylinders or improvised containers as alternatives to certified automotive CNG cylinders. The initiative explained that the ability of a cylinder to contain gas does not automatically make it suitable for CNG use in vehicles. It said cylinders intended for other purposes must not be modified or adapted for automotive CNG storage. Pi-CNG & EV warned that the use of substandard, expired, fabricated or uncertified cylinders could put vehicle owners, passengers, technicians, filling station workers and members of the public at serious risk. The initiative said it had continued to work with relevant regulatory and standards organisations to improve safety and compliance within Nigeria's growing CNG sector. It also urged motorists not to patronise unqualified technicians or choose cheaper components that do not meet approved safety requirements simply to reduce the cost of vehicle conversion. With the increasing adoption of CNG across Nigeria, Pi-CNG & EV said strict compliance with safety standards had become more important. The initiative therefore advised vehicle owners and commercial transport operators to use only NADDC-accredited conversion centres and SON-certified CNG kits and cylinders when converting their vehicles. It further called on NMDPRA-licensed CNG refuelling stations to maintain strict verification and safety procedures before dispensing gas to vehicles. Pi-CNG & EV said it would continue to collaborate with relevant government agencies and industry stakeholders to strengthen safety awareness, compliance and standards across Nigeria's expanding CNG ecosystem.