Safety Concerns Arise Over CNG Vehicles in Nigeria Following Malaysia’s Ban
Nigerians are raising safety concerns regarding Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles following Malaysia’s decision to ban their use by July 2025, citing risks associated with aging tanks. The Nigerian government, contrary to Malaysia’s stance, promotes CNG as cost-effective and safer. However, recent vehicular explosions have led to public hesitance, prompting critiques of the government’s campaign amidst calls for enhanced safety measures.
The recent decision by the Malaysian government to ban the use of natural gas vehicles (NGVs) by July 2025 has raised significant concerns among Nigerians, especially in light of their government’s ongoing promotion of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a viable alternative to petrol. Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke emphasized the government’s commitment to safeguarding public safety, citing outdated CNG tanks as a major risk to users. Loke noted the lifetime of CNG tanks is generally around 15 years, after which they can become hazardous. This phase-out will affect thousands of NGV users in Malaysia, including taxi services and other vehicles, all of which represent a mere fraction of the country’s registered motor fleet. In stark contrast, the Nigerian administration, under President Bola Tinubu, has been advocating for CNG vehicles. In August 2023, Tinubu established the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas initiative to alleviate the burden caused by fuel subsidy removals and announced that over 100,000 vehicles have been converted to CNG or dual-fuel configurations. This initiative aims to promote CNG as a safer and more economical choice than petrol. However, recent incidents involving CNG vehicle explosions have led to public skepticism regarding the safety of this alternative. Nigerians have taken to social media to voice their apprehensions, contrasting Malaysia’s proactive measures with Nigeria’s push for CNG. Concerns have intensified as citizens question the intentions behind the Nigerian government’s push for CNG, especially when juxtaposed with Malaysia’s abrupt reversal on the technology. Many citizens have expressed doubts, emphasizing the discrepancies between policies that prioritize safety and the pressure for conversions in Nigeria. Notably, criticisms have emerged through social media platforms, highlighting the disparity in approaches between the two nations and urging caution about the initiative. The Malaysian government’s recent actions serve as a cautionary tale for Nigeria as it continues to push for CNG vehicles. Experts and citizens alike have vocalized worries about the potential dangers associated with CNG, stressing the necessity for thorough investigations and improved safety protocols before further implementation of these vehicles in Nigeria.
The ongoing discourse surrounding the safety of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles has been reignited by Malaysia’s decision to phase out NGVs by 2025. This contrasts sharply with Nigeria’s current campaign promoting CNG as a sustainable fuel alternative. Malaysia’s proactive measures are credited to concerns over the aging infrastructure of CNG vehicles, particularly concerning the safety of their storage tanks. This scenario raises critical questions about the viability and safety of CNG in Nigeria, particularly as the government intensifies efforts to transition to this fuel source amid increasing incidences of CNG-related accidents.
In summary, the Malaysian government’s decision to phase out CNG vehicles has prompted significant discussion in Nigeria regarding the safety and legitimacy of adopting CNG as an alternative fuel source. Despite the Nigerian government’s initiatives, the recent history of CNG vehicle explosions has instigated public skepticism and calls for caution. As Nigeria continues its push towards CNG, it is imperative for policymakers to heed the lessons from Malaysia and prioritize safety above all else.
Original Source: punchng.com
