Malaysia’s CNG Ban Sparks Debate in Nigeria as Tinubu Pushes for CNG Adoption

Nigerians on and off social media have expressed concern following a recent decision by the Malaysian government to phase out Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles by July 2025.

While the Nigerian government continues to urge citizens to use CNG as a cleaner, cheaper fuel alternative to petrol, Anthony Loke, Malaysian Transport Minister, questioned the safety of CNG.

Announcing the ban, the Malaysian Minister highlighted the risk associated with CNG vehicles, especially after tanks exceeded their 15-year safe usage limit.

Minister Loke announced the ban while speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, November 6.

The Malaysian Minister disclosed that the ban will affect over 44,000 vehicles in Malaysia, including private cars, taxis, buses, and industrial machinery.

According to Loke, “These NGV tanks have a safe usage lifespan of approximately 15 years, and if they are not replaced, they become unsafe to use and may fail at any time.”

Loke announced that the phase-out will be in stages with the first being the halting of CNG sales by the state oil and gas corporation, Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) at its stations starting July 1, 2025.

The latest development has sparked numerous reactions as Nigerians criticized the Tinubu government for adopting CNG amid Malaysia’s phase-out.

Reacting to the development, @Gozie_mu wrote, “Nigeria to embrace it because we are the world’s dumping site.”

Another user, @iniekott, wrote: “Meanwhile, Nigerian rulers are putting CNG forward as a safe alternative to petrol.

“Note the clear-headed and tangible provisions made by the Malaysian government to help citizens with the transition.”

“Malaysia introduced CNG in the 1990s; now they are stopping it in 2024, while Bola and his supporters are asking Nigerians to change to CNG. APC is taking you 34 years backwards, but some of you’re defending it,” a user, PaschalNwosu5 wrote.

#SmartAtuadi criticized the government’s carelessness saying, “Nigeria seems determined to promote CNG without considering the safety implications that Malaysia has raised.”

Many others called on the government and government officials to lead by example by converting their vehicles to CNG before urging Nigerians to do so.

#Oserume1 commented, “If CNG was a good idea, Tinubu would have converted his official luxury Cadillac Escalade from petrol to CNG!”

@ekenezion said, “The president refused to convert his Escalade to CNG.”

@buzuzu7 opined, “I will only embrace this if all ministers and the presidency lead by example. I can’t be your guinea pig.”

The Nigerian government had since reacted to the CNG ban in Malaysia.

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in his statement said the planned phase-out by the Malaysian government speaks more to the safety of LPG and not the safety of CNG.