The Presidential CNG Initiative has called for heightened safety awareness and stricter monitoring of articulated trucks, following an accident at Karu Bridge in Abuja.
At 10:49 AM, the Chief Executive & Program Director of PCNGI, Michael Oluwagbemi, visited the accident site alongside officials from the Nigerian Midstream Downstream Regulatory Authority and the Standards Organization of Nigeria, who are conducting separate investigations into the incident.
While expressing condolences to the victims and their families, Oluwagbemi emphasized the need for greater adherence to safety protocols at accident scenes.
“We must enhance monitoring of articulated trucks to ensure brake safety compliance and routine maintenance,” he stated.
He also called for stricter licensing regulations for commercial drivers, which should include mandatory safety and evacuation training to minimize road accidents.
After its initial findings, PCNGI emphasized that Compressed Natural Gas vehicles continue to be inherently safe.
The initiative highlighted the significance of adequate regulation and oversight of gas-powered vehicles, especially with the upcoming introduction of the Nigerian Gas Vehicle Monitoring System.
The PCNGI reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring road safety while promoting CNG as a cleaner, safer, and more cost-effective fuel alternative for Nigeria’s transportation sector.
“PCNGI remains dedicated to the safety of Nigerian road users as we continue to push for the adoption of cheaper, safer, and more reliable alternative energy sources for national economic development,” said the organisation.
As investigations continue, PCNGI has called on all interested parties, legislators, and transportation companies to work together to improve Nigeria’s gas vehicle ecosystem’s oversight and regulation.