In a move to support Nigeria’s shift towards cleaner energy sources, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) says it has adopted 88 international standards for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) products.
This decision is aimed at enhancing the implementation and safety of CNG initiatives across the country, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s energy transition agenda.
The Director General of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, announced this development during a walk to commemorate the 2024 World Standards Day in Abuja.
He emphasized the role of global standards in facilitating Nigeria’s transition to a more sustainable energy model, particularly in the automotive industry.
According to him, SON is an active participant in the Natural Gas Vehicles Monitoring System (NGVMS), which is tasked with overseeing the integration of CNG systems in vehicles and ensuring the quality of components used in Nigeria’s growing CNG industry.
As part of its commitment, he said that SON has conducted factory inspections in China and India, certifying CNG components and kits to ensure they meet safety and quality standards.
Dr. Okeke stressed that standards are pivotal in addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
“As we navigate the challenges of climate change, we must acknowledge that standards are vital for the successful implementation of mitigation strategies,” he said.
According to Dr. Okeke, standardization plays a crucial role in industrialization and global economic growth. He reiterated that without a firm commitment to global standards, efforts toward economic advancement and industrial growth would be futile.
“Standard is the bedrock of industrialization. Without leveraging it, improving our global economy is a waste of time. We must understand that everything we do rests on recognizing and implementing standards,” he said.
The walk organized by SON not only marked World Standards Day but also aimed at raising public awareness about the importance of standardization.
Dr. Okeke praised the efforts of SON staff and other stakeholders, including technical committees, industry professionals, and regulators, who have contributed to enforcing and maintaining standards in Nigeria.
He stated, “We are recognizing the contributions of everyone involved in standardization efforts in Nigeria, Africa, and globally. This includes our national technical committee members and industry experts who have worked tirelessly to develop and implement standards over time.”
