Tinubu govt speaks on safety concerns as Malaysia dumps CNG vehicles

Tinubu govt speaks on safety concerns as Malaysia dumps CNG vehicles

The Presidency has sought to reassure Nigerians about the safety of President Bola Tinubu’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative amid reports that Malaysia plans to discontinue its use of Natural Gas Vehicles (NGV) due to safety concerns.

This development follows recent news that the Malaysian government will phase out NGV starting July 1, 2025, citing potential risks.

The announcement was made by Malaysian Minister of Transport Loke Siew Fook, who stated that NGV-powered vehicles would soon no longer be registered or allowed on Malaysian roads for safety reasons.

In response, Bayo Onanuga, media aide to President Tinubu, clarified that the issues raised by Malaysia primarily concern Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), not CNG.

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According to Onanuga, “NGV covers both CNG and LPG. Nigeria in its transition has adopted CNG ONLY not both because of LPG’s valid safety and cost concerns.”

Onanuga emphasized the difference between Nigeria’s approach and Malaysia’s situation, stating, “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.”

He further explained, “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.”

Tinubu govt speaks on safety concerns as Malaysia dumps CNG vehicles