Following Malaysia’s announcement to ban compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles by 2025 due to safety concerns, Nigerians have expressed skepticism about the safety of CNG vehicles. The Malaysian Transport Minister, Anthony Loke, cited the 15-year lifespan of natural gas vehicle (NGV) tanks as a risk if not replaced, prompting the decision to phase out CNG vehicles to ensure road safety.
The move sparked discussions on social media, with users questioning Nigeria’s push for CNG as a petrol alternative. On X (formerly Twitter), users like #Oserume1 and #iniekott expressed doubts, pointing to Malaysia’s decisive safety measures and questioning the commitment of Nigerian leaders to safety standards. Osasu Obayiuwana, another user, highlighted the contrasting approaches of Nigeria and Malaysia regarding CNG vehicle use.
In response, Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, clarified that Malaysia’s concerns were with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), not CNG. He emphasized that Nigeria’s focus is solely on CNG due to its safety and cost benefits. Onanuga noted that while Malaysia’s CNG vehicle adoption was low, countries like India, China, Iran, and Egypt have successfully implemented CNG programs. Furthermore, he reassured that Nigeria is proactively developing domestic manufacturing capacity to replace aging CNG tanks and ensure a safe transition.
The Nigerian government remains committed to its CNG initiative, positioning it as a safe and economical alternative to petrol amidst global transitions to cleaner energy sources.