The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has issued a strong warning to the public regarding the dangers of using substandard and uncertified Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cylinders.

This advisory follows a recent explosion at the NIPCO CNG refueling station in Benin City, Edo State, which left three individuals severely injured.

In a statement released on Saturday, SON emphasized that preliminary investigations indicated the cylinder involved in the explosion did not comply with the approved safety standards for CNG systems.

The organization expressed its condolences to those affected by the incident, highlighting the critical need for adherence to safety regulations.

To enhance safety measures, SON has implemented robust regulatory frameworks designed to ensure that all CNG equipment and conversion kits meet established standards before they can be certified for public use. "The conformity assessment schemes are aimed at preventing the importation, manufacturing, and use of substandard products," the organization stated.

In addition to these measures, SON is collaborating with the Presidential Initiatives on CNG and other relevant government bodies to finalize the Nigerian Gas Vehicle Monitoring System (NGVMS). This system will provide centralized monitoring and surveillance of CNG operations across the country, ensuring that only vehicles equipped with certified conversion kits can access gas at retail outlets.

The NGVMS will also maintain a database of approved CNG equipment and suppliers, which is expected to significantly reduce the risks associated with substandard installations.

SON Director-General Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke reiterated the importance of safety in the CNG sector, urging all stakeholders to prioritize compliance with established guidelines.