The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has adopted 88 international standards for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) products, in a bid to bolster the federal government’s CNG initiatives. This development aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic agenda aimed at transitioning Nigeria towards cleaner energy alternatives.
Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, the Director-General of SON, made this announcement during the celebration of the 2024 World Standards Day in Abuja. He emphasised that adopting these global standards is crucial to ensuring the success of Nigeria’s CNG transition, enhancing product quality and safety across the sector. This move, he noted, is in line with the government’s broader energy reforms and the drive to reduce the country’s reliance on petrol and diesel, while promoting natural gas as a more sustainable option.
The theme for this year’s World Standards Day, “Shared Vision for a Better World,” focuses on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9), which advocates for resilient infrastructure, inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, and innovation. According to Dr Okeke, the role of standards is pivotal to advancing these objectives, particularly in Nigeria’s energy and industrial sectors.
“Standards are fundamental in driving renewable energy, promoting energy efficiency, and advancing sustainable practices all of which are essential in the fight against climate change,” Okeke said. He added that through global collaboration with international standards bodies, Nigeria is aligning its efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that industrial growth is balanced with environmental sustainability, social welfare, and global peace.
As part of its commitment to ensuring quality and safety, SON is developing a Natural Gas Vehicles Monitoring System (NGVMS), designed to oversee the implementation of CNG systems in vehicles. This system is expected to enhance the safety and reliability of CNG vehicles across the country, mitigating risks and ensuring that components and kits meet international safety standards.
In addition to these initiatives, SON has also conducted factory inspections in China and India, two key suppliers of CNG components, to certify that their products meet the stringent safety and reliability requirements essential for Nigeria’s growing CNG market. This proactive approach ensures that only certified, high-quality products are utilised in the Nigerian market, fostering consumer confidence and public safety.
Dr Okeke commended the efforts of SON’s management, the National Technical Committee, and other stakeholders in developing and maintaining these essential standards. Their contributions, he noted, are critical in supporting Nigeria’s industrial development, ensuring that Made-in-Nigeria products not only meet local demand but also compete favourably on the global stage.
“The adoption of these international standards reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to raising the bar in quality assurance and consumer protection,” Okeke stated. “By improving the quality of products and services, we enhance our global competitiveness, foster consumer trust, and contribute to the overall economic growth of the country.”
He further reiterated that SON’s commitment to standardisation goes beyond the energy sector, impacting various industries by ensuring that Nigerian products adhere to international best practices. This commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability, he added, plays a vital role in improving the quality of life for Nigerians, while also supporting national economic objectives.
In concluding his remarks, Dr Okeke urged continued collaboration between SON, its partners, and Nigerian citizens to achieve a shared vision for a sustainable future. He emphasised that through adherence to standards, Nigeria can foster industrial growth, drive innovation, and promote sustainable development in line with global objectives.
“Together, with the support of our partners and citizens, we can achieve our shared vision for a sustainable future, ensuring prosperity for our people and safeguarding the welfare of our planet,” he concluded.
This adoption of CNG standards represents a key step in Nigeria’s transition towards cleaner energy, setting the stage for long-term growth and sustainability across the nation’s industrial and energy sectors.