Malaysia Abandons CNG Cars: Is Nigeria Ready to Take the Risk?

Malaysia is taking a bold step by phasing out compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, raising questions for countries like Nigeria that are just starting to embrace CNG as a major fuel alternative. 

While Malaysia is saying goodbye to CNG-powered cars due to safety concerns, Nigeria is diving in, viewing CNG as a solution to its fuel challenges. Malaysia’s decision raises a critical question: Is Nigeria truly ready for the challenges that come with CNG adoption?

Why Malaysia is Saying Goodbye to CNG

In Malaysia, concerns about the safety of aging CNG vehicles have led to a nationwide phase-out. Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook recently announced that, by July 1, 2025, CNG vehicles, known locally as NGVs, will no longer be allowed on the roads, and government-owned oil company Petronas will halt CNG sales in stages.

The primary reason? Safety. Malaysia has around 44,383 CNG vehicles, most of which have CNG tanks nearing the end of their 15-year safe usage period. The government cited the dangers posed by deteriorating tanks and illegal modifications using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, which have already caused explosions in accidents.

Nigeria’s Move Towards CNG: Are We Prepared?

Nigeria, on the other hand, sees CNG as a cost-effective, cleaner alternative to petrol. Since the removal of the petrol subsidy in 2023, the Nigerian government has been pushing for CNG adoption through the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (Pi-CNG). 

The initiative includes plans for 1,000 CNG conversion centers across the country and has already attracted over $200 million in investments.

But with Malaysia’s cautionary tale, there are real questions about whether Nigeria is fully prepared to implement CNG safely.

Key Challenges Nigeria Faces with CNG

1. Safety Standards and Regulations: One of the main lessons from Malaysia is the importance of strict safety standards. Nigeria will need to ensure that CNG tanks and other components are installed and maintained correctly. Without clear safety regulations and quality control, there’s a risk of unsafe modifications or improper installations that could lead to accidents.
2. Reliable Infrastructure: To support CNG on a large scale, Nigeria will need a well-developed network of refueling stations, certified workshops, and trained technicians. Building this infrastructure from scratch will take time and considerable investment. A hasty rollout without these resources in place could lead to safety hazards.
3. Public Awareness and Training: Ensuring that vehicle owners understand how to use and maintain CNG safely is essential. Nigeria will need robust public awareness campaigns to educate drivers on proper handling and potential risks. Proper training for mechanics and fuel station attendants is equally critical to prevent safety issues.
4. Managing Aging CNG Vehicles: As CNG adoption progresses, Nigeria must consider what will happen in the years to come when CNG tanks and components age. Malaysia’s experience shows that without proactive planning for maintenance and replacement, the risks only increase over time.

Learning from Malaysia’s Experience

Malaysia’s move to abandon CNG highlights the challenges that can arise if safety and regulatory issues aren’t fully addressed. 

While Nigeria’s push towards CNG holds promise for a cheaper, more sustainable fuel source, the government must be ready to tackle these issues head-on.

Nigeria’s shift to CNG could bring significant benefits, but only if the transition is managed with strict oversight, comprehensive infrastructure, and a commitment to safety.