By Segun Ojumu
Authorities in Nigeria have launched an investigation into a vehicle explosion at a motor park in the northern city of Kaduna on Sunday. The blast has raised concerns over the safety of alternative fuel sources, as the vehicle involved was reportedly linked to a government-led energy transition programme.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV) described the incident as “deeply unfortunate” and confirmed they are working with state and federal authorities to establish the cause.
Safety Concerns
The incident comes at a sensitive time for the Nigerian government, which has been aggressively promoting Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a cheaper, cleaner alternative to petrol following the removal of fuel subsidies last year. While the exact cause of the Kaduna blast remains unconfirmed, the Initiative sought to downplay fears regarding the technology:”We wish to reassure the public that natural gas, when properly handled and deployed, has a strong safety record both globally and within Nigeria,” the statement, signed by the head, brand and Communications of the agency Onyekachi Eze said.
Context of the Transition
The shift to CNG is a cornerstone of President Tinubu’s economic reforms, aimed at reducing transport costs for Nigerians. However, the transition has faced some public skepticism regarding the safety of gas cylinder installations in older vehicles.
Key points from the official response:
Ongoing Probe: Investigations are being led by relevant security and safety agencies.
Public Calm: Officials have urged the public to avoid “sensational reporting” until the facts are established.
Commitment to Standards: The Pi-CNG & EV maintains that CNG remains a “safe, reliable, and cost-effective” option for the country.
No official casualty figures have been released by the police in Kaduna at this stage. Further updates are expected as the forensic team concludes its assessment of the site.
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