Presidency defends CNG safety amid phase-out plan in Malaysia

The Nigerian Presidency has addressed concerns about the safety of newly introduced Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered vehicles, emphasizing that the government has specifically chosen CNG as a safe and economical alternative to petrol-powered cars.

This assurance came from Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, in response to Malaysia’s recent announcement to phase out CNG vehicles by July 2025. Malaysia’s Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke, cited safety concerns related to aging CNG tanks, which could become hazardous if not replaced after their 15-year lifespan.

However, Onanuga clarified on X that Malaysia’s policy primarily targets the safety issues of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), not CNG. He explained that, while some Malaysian vehicles were modified with LPG tanks, which pose greater risks, Nigeria has adopted only CNG due to its safety profile and affordability.

Onanuga further highlighted that Malaysia’s CNG initiative faced challenges, achieving only a 0.2% conversion rate over 15 years due to limitations in tank manufacturing. In contrast, Nigeria has taken proactive steps to develop its domestic tank manufacturing capacity early on, with the goal of ensuring both safety and scalability for CNG vehicles.

Nigeria’s decision aligns with successful CNG transitions seen in countries like India, China, and Egypt, which have experienced considerable adoption rates. The Presidency reassured Nigerians that this transition to CNG-powered vehicles is both a strategic and sustainable move, aimed at reducing reliance on petrol while maintaining public safety.