Nigeria’s Presidency Allays CNG Safety Fears Amid Malaysia Phase-Out Plans
Segun Akanni, Toronto, Canada 
The Presidency has insisted that the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is a safer and more affordable alternative to petrol.
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, posted on his X handle on Thursday to allay fears among Nigerians following a report that the Malaysian government is planning to phase out natural gas-powered vehicles by July 2025.
In his post, Onanuga clarified that “the Malaysian issue speaks more to the safety of LPG, NOT safety of CNG.”
According to the presidential spokesperson, Malaysia’s transition away from costly, dirtier petrol and diesel was unsuccessful, unlike that of India, China, Iran, and Egypt.
He said that the Asian country did not build tank manufacturing capacity for the 15 years of its failed transition, adding that Nigeria is already developing that in year one.
The statement reads, “Some clarification on Malaysia’s plan to phase out CNG-powered vehicles: The Malaysian issue speaks more to the safety of LPG than the safety of CNG.
“In the original report, government transport minister Anthony Loke said: ‘There are also some car owners who have modified their vehicles using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, which are very dangerous.’
“The report also spoke about the safety of 15-year-old CNG cylinders. NGV covers both CNG and LPG. In its transition, Nigeria has adopted CNG ONLY, not both, because of LPG’s valid safety and cost concerns.
“Malaysia basically had an unsuccessful transition away from costly and dirtier petrol and diesel.
“Conversion of 45,000 vehicles in 15 years (less than 0.2%) is not enviable unlike India, China, Iran and Egypt.
“The end of 15 year CNG tank cycle means they need to replace tanks, and it was easier/cheaper to scrap their program and continue with their petrol than to do so if they had not built tank manufacturing capacity, which Nigeria is already developing in year one.”
Some clarification on the plan by Malaysia to phase out CNG powered vehicles:
1. The Malaysian issue speaks more to the safety of LPG NOT safety of CNG. In the original report, government transport minister Anthony Loke said:
“There are also some car owners who have… pic.twitter.com/89rjQSZPud
— Bayo Onanuga (@aonanuga1956) November 7, 2024
The Federal Government has been encouraging Nigerians to convert their vehicles from petrol to CNG, but Nigerians have been left to deal with fears coming from reports of explosions of CNG-powered vehicles, among other negative reports.
In an October event, President Bola Tinubu emphasised the urgent need for Nigeria to use its vast natural gas resources in the transportation sector.
He stated that CNG transportation is an economic necessity for Nigeria, signalling a significant shift in the country’s approach to public transportation and energy use.
“Utilising natural gas to power Nigeria’s transportation industry is the next way to go,” he had stated.
