In a significant initiative, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has officially introduced 80 newly approved standards for road vehicles using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and associated equipment under the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI). The commencement of this process marks a crucial step towards enhancing safety, reliability, cost-efficiency, environmental sustainability, and the adoption of alternative fuel options for road vehicles and other CNG-related equipment in Nigeria. Approval of the Standards and Guidelines for CNG-powered road vehicles and associated equipment was granted by Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment. This action underscores SON's dedication to achieving excellence and fostering innovation in alignment with global benchmarks, which have led to the development and endorsement of these meticulous standards. In a statement issued by Mrs. Foluso Bolaji, Director of Public Relations at SON, it was emphasized that these groundbreaking regulations signify a significant achievement in the organization's drive to enhance safety and quality in the energy sector. CNG presents itself as a clean and efficient substitute for conventional fuels, finding applications in diverse sectors from transportation to industrial operations. Nonetheless, ensuring its safe and efficient usage necessitates strict adherence to comprehensive standards covering production, storage, transportation, and utilization. The PCNGI forms part of the relief efforts under President Bola Tinubu's administration, representing one of the numerous measures taken to ensure that all Nigerians benefit from the Renewed Hope agenda, as noted by Foluso.

Essentially, the PCNGI comprises a committee comprised of relevant regulatory bodies including the National Mid-Stream Down-stream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), SON, Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Ministry of Finance Incorporation (MOFI), and other key stakeholders. Each regulatory body is entrusted within its scope to swiftly bring hope to Nigerians by preparing the ground for the adoption of CNG as an alternative vehicle fuel. 

A wide array of technical specifications and requirements are covered by the standards, which include CNG Conversion kit, standards for electrical connections and vehicle diagnostics, standards for vehicle safety and road-worthiness, standards for CNG storage vessels, and standards for CNG refueling stations. Additionally, there is a guideline for installing specific components to support the utilization of compressed natural gas (CNG) as a means of vehicle propulsion. The collaborative efforts of industry experts, regulators, and stakeholders from various regions came together to develop these standards. The leading standards regulatory agency emphasized that adherence to these standards would ensure increased safety for consumers, workers, and the environment. Furthermore, it would enhance the reliability and efficiency of CNG operations, promote interoperability and compatibility within the CNG ecosystem, and boost confidence among consumers, investors, and policymakers. In a statement, the agency urged all stakeholders to fully embrace and prioritize the effective implementation of these standards. They emphasized that by doing so, the utilization of CNG would meet the highest levels of safety, quality, and environmental sustainability, providing the optimal alternative for fuel consumption.