Risk Assessment and Safety Management in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Infrastructure in Nigeria

Compressed natural gas (CNG) offers a sustainable solution to meet the global demand for cleaner energy sources. Nigeria as an oil producing country with poor refining capacity, has identified CNG has beneficial alternative to reduce over reliance on imported refined fuels. However, the high pressure storage requirement and highly flammable nature of CNG presents a unique safety threat. The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 document has provided the extant safety regulations for regulatory bodies in the country. Despite this safety regulations there has been recorded incidences of gas leakages, explosions due to improper safety procedures. This study highlights the existing safety regulations for CNG in Nigeria while demonstrating critical gaps in the current safety frameworks and proposes an enhanced safety management tailored to the Nigeria’s condition. Safety challenges associated with CNG infrastructure identified include ineffective safety mechanisms, poor enforcement, infrastructure, untrained personnel, weak emergency response systems, and low public awareness. By juxtaposing between Nigeria’s risk assessment and safety management frameworks and the global best practices the study demonstrates areas for improvement in safety compliance and consistency in enforcement. Risk assessment models discussed include methods such as Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP), and Bow-Tie Analysis. The study reveals that international best practice demands that safety management is driven by robust regulatory frameworks, advanced risk assessment techniques, and continuous technological innovation. To enhance the safety management framework, the study recommends that the country must adopt advanced monitoring systems, ensure robust regulatory and enforcement mechanisms, improve public awareness and community participation, undertake training and retraining of industry personnel and overhaul the emergency response systems. Public awareness initiatives especially are also touted as crucial in fostering a safety-conscious culture, reducing unsafe practices, and improving overall risk management. In conclusion, in order to minimize risk, the use of CNG in Nigeria demands a multifaceted approach that integrates regulatory oversight, infrastructure integrity, technological innovation, and community engagement By adopting international best practices and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, Nigeria can mitigate safety risks, enhance operational reliability, and support the sustainable growth of its CNG industry while protecting lives, property, and the environment.