The recent announcement by the Malaysian government to ban natural gas vehicles (NGVs) by July 2025 has sparked widespread debate in Nigeria, where the government has been actively promoting Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternative to petrol. Many Nigerians are questioning the safety of CNG, especially as Malaysia phases out these vehicles over safety concerns.

Malaysia’s Transport Minister, Anthony Loke, cited the need to protect public safety in announcing the phase-out. Loke explained that Malaysia’s decision was influenced by the risks posed by aging CNG tanks, which he said are prone to failure as they near the end of their 15-year safe usage lifespan. “These NGV tanks have a safe usage lifespan of approximately 15 years, and if they are not replaced, they become unsafe to use and may fail at any time,” Loke stated during a press conference. This policy shift will impact an estimated 44,383 NGV vehicles in Malaysia, covering taxis, private vehicles, buses, and industrial machinery.

Petroliam Nasional Berhad, Malaysia’s state oil and gas company, will gradually discontinue CNG sales at its filling stations starting in July 2025. The Malaysian government has also announced assistance programs for affected vehicle owners, including taxi drivers and owners of NGV-only vehicles, to help them transition smoothly.

In contrast, Nigeria, under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has been advocating for CNG as a safer and more affordable fuel alternative. In August 2023, Tinubu launched the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, aimed at promoting CNG usage as a buffer against the economic impact of fuel subsidy removal. The initiative has converted over 100,000 vehicles to CNG or dual-fuel setups, with the government emphasizing CNG’s benefits to citizens.

However, Nigeria’s push for CNG has been met with mixed reactions. Recently, explosions involving some converted vehicles have raised concerns about CNG safety. Nigerian citizens have voiced their concerns across social media platforms, particularly following the announcement from Malaysia.

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Nigerian social media users are highlighting the stark contrast between Malaysia’s cautionary approach and Nigeria’s push for CNG adoption. X.com user Ini Ekott commented, “Meanwhile, Nigerian rulers are putting CNG forward as a safe alternative to petrol. Note the clear-headed and tangible provisions made by the Malaysian government to help citizens with the transition.”

User #Otunbakush1 expressed a more critical perspective, saying, “And here is Nigeria saying people should convert to CNG… Death Race.” Others echoed similar sentiments, pointing out that Malaysia’s transition out of CNG comes decades after introducing it in the 1990s, while Nigeria is now promoting it in 2024.

Concerns also emerged about whether top government officials, including President Tinubu, would adopt CNG for their official vehicles. X.com user #Oserume1 remarked, “If CNG was a good idea, Tinubu would have converted his official luxury Cadillac Escalade from petrol to CNG!”

As Nigeria’s government continues to push for CNG adoption, it faces mounting questions regarding both the safety measures in place and the viability of natural gas as a long-term alternative.