Abuja: Alfa Designs Nigeria Ltd., a leading company in the oil and gas sector, has announced plans to deploy Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cascades in various proximity areas to boost the availability of CNG in Nigeria. The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Quadri Fatai, revealed this development during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the lack of availability of CNG and persistent queues at refilling stations have been a significant concern for motorists in the country. Mr. Fatai explained that the company is actively working on strategies to address these issues and ensure that CNG is accessible to more people by considering its proximity to potential users.
The company has already procured an initial batch of 10 CNG cascades and is currently in the process of obtaining certification. Alfa Designs Nigeria Ltd. is collaborating with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria’s third-party inspection company to inspect, certify, and issue licenses for the cylinders. Additionally, a 100 percent CNG-powered truck equipped with a self-loader will be used for the distribution and dispensation of CNG.
Mr. Fatai elaborated on the plan to deploy about 450kg capacity CNG cascades at designated locations, allowing for efficient refilling and storage. These cascades, with a total weight of three tonnes, will be made available at partner fuel refilling outlets for motorists to use. Once the inspection and certification processes are complete, the cascades will be shipped to Nigeria and cleared for use.
He highlighted the logistical challenges and limited infrastructure as primary reasons for the current CNG unavailability. Mr. Fatai explained that handling CNG projects requires more logistics compared to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) due to the higher pressure levels involved, which necessitate heavier cylinders. The company is developing various packages and initiatives to overcome these logistical hurdles and ensure CNG availability throughout the country.
To facilitate CNG deployment, Mr. Fatai emphasized the need to provide the necessary logistics to handle the weight and shape of the CNG cylinders. He also stressed the importance of encouraging companies to build mother station infrastructure and gradually extend the gas distribution pipeline network.
Safety concerns, economic benefits, and compliance with global regulations related to CNG conversion have been raised. Mr. Fatai highlighted the role of the Nigeria Institute of Standards and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria in continuously checking the integrity of LPG and CNG cylinders to ensure safety. He warned against the local fabrication of cylinders by unqualified individuals, noting the potential dangers involved due to the explosive nature of CNG.
