The Anambra State House of Assembly has called on the Governor Chukwuma Soludo to direct the Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources to establish standard procedures for regulation and monitor the safe inter-conversion of petrol-powered engines to natural gas engines in order to prevent mechanical explosions and associated hazards.
Chief Sponsor of the motion Hon. Anthony Muobike in his submission stated that the deregulation of the petroleum industry in Nigeria, with subsequent removal of the fuel subsidy regime has caused unprecedented rise in the cost of Premium Motor Spirit commonly in use for powering automobile engines; leading to a search for readily available alternatives by local automobile manufacturers and auto mechanics.
According to Hon. Muobike who is the member representing Aguata two constituency, “Compressed natural gas and Liquified Natural Gas has been identified as readily available alternatives with added advantage of higher combustion rates and more environmental friendliness.
“Local auto mechanics and technicians, many of whom have very little technical knowledge of combustion variables associated with elements like propane and butane which are common components of natural gas, are already involved in the interconversion business.
“Potential hazards associated with the improper / unsafe installation, storage and use of cooking gas (Liquified Petroleum Gas) which share similar chemical and physicalproperties as Liquified Natural Gas and that the incursion of poorly trained auto mechanics and other quacks into the automobile engine conversion process may lead to dangerous outcomes;
“Establishment of safe industry standards, procedures and best practices for regulating and monitoring the conversion of automobile engines including minimum rated standards for materials such as cylinders, hoses and valves as well as training and licensing will prevent dangerous occurrences.
Suporting the motion, Hon Anayo Okpaleke, Hon. Chidi lbemeka, Hon Jude Ngobili, Hon. Jude Umennajiego, Hon. Fred Ezenwa and Hon. Chimezie Ikwunne in their various submissions, calls for monitoring and regulation of convation of Petrol-powered engines to natural gas engines
“Alot of people are converting petrol-powered engines to natural gas engines in Anambra state and our people need to be educated on how best to do it.
“There should be a regulation so that this new technology will not be abused because many road side mechanics have turning themselves to professionals in converting this engines without considering the risks and harzards involved.
” Because of our hot weather and temperature, there can be explosion. Whenever technology comes in, it requires proper training.
“This is a life saving motion because whenever there is explosion, it travels mills away. We need to be very careful”. The legislators said
The house adjoined till Tuesday Septemper 26, 2023.
