The National Automotive Design and Development Council, NADDC, has said preliminary findings suggest that an unapproved cylinder may have caused the explosion involving a CNG-converted Toyota Camry in Abuja.

The incident occurred at about 10:30am on September 13, 2026, while the vehicle was being refuelled at the NIPCO Gas Filling Station on Airport Road, Abuja.

NADDC said on Wednesday that preliminary information indicated that the vehicle may have been fitted with an additional cylinder that was neither approved nor suitable for compressed natural gas use.

The council said investigations were still ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the explosion.

No death or injury was recorded in the incident, which involved a Toyota Camry with registration number MAP-962 JU.

NIPCO Gas had earlier said the additional cylinder ruptured shortly after refuelling began, causing an explosion that damaged the vehicle.

The company described the cylinder as “spurious” and said it was not approved or suitable for CNG use.

NADDC said it was working with relevant authorities to establish the facts surrounding the incident and strengthen regulatory oversight of CNG vehicle conversions in Nigeria.

The council warned motorists that CNG conversions should be carried out only at certified conversion centres using approved components and professional installation procedures.

It also stressed the need for proper testing and regular maintenance of CNG systems in line with established safety standards.

NADDC urged motorists to avoid unauthorised modifications to CNG systems and to use only components specifically approved for automotive compressed natural gas applications.

The council also advised Nigerians against allowing misleading information about the incident to undermine confidence in properly certified CNG systems.

The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles had similarly warned motorists following the explosion against using cylinders that were not designed or certified to store CNG.

The initiative said cylinders designed for other purposes should not be adapted or improvised for use in CNG-powered vehicles because doing so could endanger motorists, passengers, technicians and filling-station workers.

NIPCO said its personnel responded immediately after the explosion in accordance with emergency procedures, while the driver remained at the station to assist with enquiries.

The company also advised vehicle owners to ensure that CNG conversion systems and cylinders are approved, certified and installed by authorised professionals.

The Abuja incident comes as the Federal Government continues to promote CNG as a cheaper alternative to petrol following the removal of fuel subsidy.

NADDC maintains a list of certified CNG conversion workshops and has urged motorists seeking to convert their vehicles to use accredited centres rather than informal or unauthorised installers.

The council said its investigation into the Abuja explosion remains ongoing.