The Presidential CNG Initiative's (PCNG-i) chief executive and programme director, Michael Oluwagbemi, has visited the site of the recent explosion at Karu Bridge in Abuja. He was accompanied by officials from the Nigeria Midstream, Downstream Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), who conducted their own investigations.
Oluwagbemi expressed condolences to the victims and their families, emphasizing the need for increased safety awareness and adherence to safety protocols at accident scenes. He also advocated for better monitoring of articulated trucks, ensuring compliance with brake safety and maintenance requirements, as well as proper licensing and training for commercial drivers.
The PCNG-i reaffirmed the inherent safety of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles, citing preliminary findings that suggest the explosion may not be directly related to the CNG fuel itself.
To enhance safety standards, the PCNG-i proposed the launch of the Nigerian Gas Vehicle Monitoring System (NGVMS). This system aims to create a better-monitored gas vehicle ecosystem, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and reducing the risk of accidents.