FG Responds to Malaysia’s Plan to Phase Out CNG, Clarifies its Position on Adoption

Segun Atanda/

The Nigerian government has responded to Malaysia’s recent announcement to phase out compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, clarifying that Malaysia’s decision does not affect Nigeria’s commitment to adopting CNG as a key alternative fuel source.

Bayo Onanuga, spokesman for President Bola Tinubu, explained that the circumstances in Malaysia differ significantly from Nigeria’s transition plan, emphasising that safety concerns raised in Malaysia mainly relate to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) rather than CNG.

Onanuga pointed out that the safety concerns cited by Malaysia’s Transport Minister, Loke Siew Fook, primarily involve modified vehicles using LPG cylinders, which are considered hazardous.

He further clarified that the issue surrounding the expiration of CNG tanks is tied to the 15-year service life of these cylinders, a challenge that Malaysia is now facing as many of their CNG-powered vehicles reach this critical age.

The Nigerian government’s position is that its focus is solely on CNG and not LPG, due to the latter’s safety risks and higher costs.

Onanuga also noted that while Malaysia has faced challenges in transitioning away from traditional petrol and diesel vehicles, with only a small percentage of vehicles converted to CNG over the last 15 years, Nigeria’s strategy is focused on the long-term development of CNG infrastructure, including local tank manufacturing.

He explained that Nigeria’s progress in CNG adoption, including tank production, sets it apart from Malaysia, where the lack of domestic manufacturing capacity made it easier and cheaper to scrap the CNG programme altogether.

Nigeria is currently developing its tank production capabilities in the first year of its transition, which Onanuga emphasised as a significant advantage.

The Malaysian government has announced that from July 1, 2025, CNG vehicles will no longer be allowed to be registered, and the sale of CNG at petrol stations will cease gradually.

Malaysia’s decision to phase out CNG comes as the country grapples with the end-of-life issues for many of its CNG tanks, which are now nearing their 15-year lifespan and require replacement.

In response, Onanuga reiterated that Nigeria’s transition to CNG is progressing as planned, with a focus on safety and sustainability, and that Malaysia’s experience is not a setback for Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to reduce its reliance on petrol and diesel.

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