In the wake of a tragic Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) explosion, safety concerns surrounding the use of substandard equipment have been brought to light. Yabo, a safety expert, has confirmed that the cylinder responsible for the explosion was locally fabricated—an illegal practice that violates safety regulations.
The explosion, which occurred at a CNG refueling station, resulted in casualties and widespread damage. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the cylinder involved was not manufactured to standard safety specifications, raising alarms about the unchecked use of such dangerous equipment in the country.
According to Yabo, locally fabricated cylinders are not subjected to the rigorous safety tests and certifications required for CNG storage and transportation. “The cylinder that exploded was locally made, which is an illegality,” Yabo stated, emphasizing the dangers of using non-certified cylinders in handling high-pressure gases like CNG.
“These cylinders do not meet the necessary standards for durability and safety. This is a significant violation of our safety regulations and a direct threat to public safety,” Yabo added.
CNG is widely regarded as a cleaner alternative to traditional fuels, but the use of substandard or non-certified equipment can turn this green energy solution into a deadly hazard. Locally fabricated cylinders, often made from inferior materials, are prone to leakage and explosions due to their inability to withstand the high pressures required for storing compressed gas.
Yabo pointed out that while locally made cylinders are cheaper, they put lives and property at risk. “This is not just about cutting corners to save costs; it’s about people’s lives. The use of uncertified equipment in CNG operations is illegal and highly dangerous,” he stressed.
The recent explosion has prompted renewed calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations surrounding CNG usage and cylinder manufacturing. Yabo and other safety experts are urging authorities to step up their efforts in cracking down on illegal and substandard equipment, ensuring that only certified and tested cylinders are used in the industry.
“There must be more inspections, more regulations, and harsher penalties for those who manufacture or use substandard equipment. This is a preventable disaster, and we cannot afford to have more lives lost due to negligence and illegal practices,” Yabo asserted.
As the demand for cleaner energy solutions like CNG continues to grow in Nigeria, ensuring public safety must remain a top priority. Industry experts are calling for increased awareness among consumers and operators about the dangers of using non-certified equipment. Yabo stressed the importance of public education on safety standards, particularly for businesses involved in the handling and distribution of CNG.
The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety regulations in all aspects of CNG use. Yabo’s declaration that the locally fabricated cylinder was illegal underscores the need for better enforcement and vigilance to prevent future accidents.
Moving forward, it will be crucial for regulatory bodies to take decisive action in curbing the use of illegal equipment, ensuring that tragedies like this are not repeated.
