CNG Vehicle Safety Concerns: Nigeria Government Responds to Malaysia’s Phase-Out Plans

In light of Malaysia’s recent announcement to phase out Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles by July 2025, Nigeria has voiced its stance on CNG as a sustainable alternative to petrol, reiterating its commitment to CNG as a safer and more cost-effective option for transportation.

Malaysian Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook recently announced new regulations that will prohibit CNG (known as NGV in Malaysia) vehicle registrations starting from July 1, 2025, citing safety issues. According to Loke, aging NGV tanks are now approaching the end of their safe usage period, typically set at 15 years, posing potential risks. Malaysia’s government estimates that only about 44,383 CNG vehicles—representing 0.2% of the country’s total vehicles—remain on the road.

However, the Nigerian government is pushing back on the narrative. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga clarified that Malaysia’s phase-out was primarily concerned with the safety of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), rather than CNG. Addressing the confusion, Onanuga highlighted the critical difference between LPG and CNG, noting that Nigeria’s adoption of CNG was a deliberate move due to its enhanced safety profile and affordability.

“Some clarification on Malaysia’s plan to phase out CNG-powered vehicles,” Onanuga posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday. He explained that Malaysia’s decision stemmed from safety concerns related to LPG cylinders, which had reportedly been modified for vehicle use by some Malaysian drivers, posing significant risks. “The Malaysian issue relates to the safety of LPG, NOT CNG,” he said. “NGV covers both CNG and LPG. Nigeria, in its transition, has adopted CNG ONLY, not both, due to valid safety and cost concerns regarding LPG.”

While Malaysia’s 15-year program saw only a 0.2% conversion rate to NGV, Onanuga noted, other nations like India, China, and Egypt have successfully integrated CNG on a larger scale. He emphasized that Nigeria’s emerging tank manufacturing capabilities mark a significant distinction in its approach to CNG, allowing the nation to support a sustainable CNG infrastructure without facing Malaysia’s challenges with LPG.

“Nigeria is already making strides in developing local CNG tank manufacturing capacity,” Onanuga added, contrasting it with Malaysia’s program, which faced limitations in converting and maintaining CNG vehicles. This, he suggested, positions Nigeria for a successful CNG transition, while Malaysia opted to retain a petrol-based system due to logistical constraints.

As Nigeria continues to promote CNG as a viable alternative to petrol, officials are hopeful that its early investments in local tank production will strengthen its CNG adoption strategy—setting the country apart in the global push for cleaner, safer energy alternatives in transportation.