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CNG Tricycle Operators Warned Against Smoking and Overloading for Safety

Written by Jerry Alomatu on October 22, 2024

News Views: 468

The Lagos State Chapter of the Tricycle Owners and Operators Association of Nigeria is actively informing its members about the advantages and potential hazards of utilizing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

In a Tuesday interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, Zonal Chairman Alhaji Azeez Istijabah emphasized that this initiative is essential for ensuring that members adopt necessary safety measures in their operations.

According to NAN, the National Union of Road Transport Workers launched its first batch of 3,000 CNG commercial tricycles, valued at N10.2 billion, on October 16, to address transportation challenges in the state.

Istijabah stated, “While converting petrol tricycles to gas presents economic benefits, it is crucial to implement precautionary measures for effective operation.”

He warned, “At first instance, operators must not smoke or operate in a naked fire environment,” stressing that “Smoking is highly prohibited while operating CNG tricycles because anything gas is highly inflammable.”

The union leader also advised members against overloading their tricycles, emphasizing the importance of carrying a maximum of three passengers per trip.

“Operators should not allow passengers in the front seat,” he added, highlighting the dangers of overloading. “Overloading the tricycles is very dangerous; operators need to be very careful and take cognizance of various precautionary measures.”

Mr. AbdulAkeem Sabiu, the association’s branch chairman in Abule-Egba, expressed to NAN that the recent developments would greatly benefit and motivate operators in the transport sector.

He noted that many operators are struggling with the rising cost of petrol and suggested that the Federal Government’s new CNG initiatives would provide relief for both transporters and commuters.

Sabiu called on both the Federal and Lagos State governments to establish accessible refilling depots for commercial tricycles that utilize CNG.

He pointed out, “Tricycles are prohibited from operating in the Agidingbi area of the state, where the CNG refilling station is situated,” urging the government to “create easy access for us to enable us to refill our tricycles with ease.”