The President of the National Road Travellers and Motor Parks Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Ilyasu Haruna-Muhammed, has called for increased sensitization of motorists on the use of Compressed Natural Gas in Nigeria.
This comes as the association extended its condolences to the federal government, victims, and families affected by the tragic Abuja explosion in Karu on Wednesday.
Haruna-Muhammed stated that the explosion, which preliminary reports indicate was caused by brake failure and poor vehicle conditions, could have been mitigated if traffic in the area had been lighter. He explained that the explosion escalated due to heavy traffic, with a tanker parked in the area when a vehicle using locally fabricated CNG exploded, triggering the fire. The inferno resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of property, and significant casualties, with over 30 vehicles burnt during a peak period when workers were just leaving for the day.
The NARTPAN president advised the administration of President Bola Tinubu to prioritize the safety of lives and property on the roads. He pointed out that many vehicles on the roads are using cooking gas instead of CNG, which is a far more dangerous practice for both motorists and other road users. Haruna-Muhammed urged the federal government to go beyond relying solely on the Standard Organization of Nigeria for safety measures, stressing that ensuring safety on the roads requires a broader approach.
Haruna-Muhammed revealed that NARTPAN has partnered with Sahamitr Pressure Container, a world-renowned manufacturer of Automotive LPG and CNG, based in Thailand and owned by King Ramathan of Thailand. He encouraged the federal government to collaborate with the multinational company for the supply of original CNG to enhance road safety. He further cited countries such as South Africa, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, and several European nations, which have partnered with Sahamitr Pressure Container to improve safety standards for their citizens.
He emphasized the difference between CNG cylinders and cooking gas, urging the government to increase awareness among motorists on this matter. Additionally, he appealed to the federal government to ensure that firefighters are stationed at strategic locations along highways across the country, similar to police checkpoints, to enhance safety measures.
Haruna-Muhammed also called on the federal government to collaborate more closely with NARTPAN, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and fire services to prevent future incidents like the recent Abuja explosion. He further urged the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and his ministry to form a synergy with NARTPAN, FRSC, and firefighters to strengthen safety protocols, as these agencies are crucial stakeholders in ensuring road safety.
