Nigerians Express Concerns Over CNG Vehicle Safety Following…

Nigerians are questioning the safety of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles following Malaysia’s announcement to phase out CNG for vehicles by July 2025 due to safety concerns. Malaysian authorities cite the risks of aging CNG tanks, while Nigeria promotes CNG as an alternative fuel. The contrast raises apprehensions among Nigerians, particularly after recent vehicle explosions and amid rising fuel prices.

The recent decision by the Malaysian government to phase out the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for vehicles by July 2025 has raised significant safety concerns among Nigerians. This comes amid Nigeria’s promotion of CNG as a cost-effective alternative to petrol. Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke cited safety issues related to aging CNG tanks, which have a lifespan of approximately 15 years and may fail if not replaced. The phase-out affects around 44,383 active NGV vehicles in Malaysia, prompting the government to implement assistance programs for affected drivers. Contrarily, President Bola Tinubu’s administration in Nigeria has been encouraging the adoption of CNG vehicles, notably through the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas initiative aimed at mitigating the effects of fuel subsidy removal. This initiative has successfully converted over 100,000 vehicles to CNG or bi-fuel setups. However, this promotion has been met with skepticism, particularly in light of recent explosions involving converted vehicles, causing anxiety over the safety of CNG usage. Many Nigerians have voiced their apprehensions on social media, referencing Malaysia’s impending ban as a warning. Critics have pointed out the irony of Nigeria’s push towards CNG while Malaysia, a country that initiated its CNG journey in the 1990s, is now abandoning it for safety reasons. Perspectives shared on social media reflect a growing concern that the Nigerian government’s promotion of CNG may endanger citizens’ lives, especially as there have been calls for President Tinubu to lead by example by converting his luxury vehicles to CNG. As opposition voices emerge, some argue that the government is seeking to distract the public from rising fuel prices by advocating for a potentially hazardous alternative.

The recent announcement by Malaysia to ban CNG vehicles highlights crucial safety concerns that resonate with Nigeria’s ongoing campaign to promote CNG as a viable alternative to petrol. The phase-out is influenced by potential dangers from aging CNG tanks, emphasizing the importance of vehicle safety. Nigeria’s government has been pushing for CNG conversion amid rising fuel prices, despite warnings from the Malaysian experience regarding the inherent risks associated with natural gas vehicles. The contrast between both countries’ approaches to CNG usage raises essential discussions on road safety and government policy effectiveness.

In summary, the decision by Malaysia to eliminate CNG vehicles due to safety risks has prompted valid concerns among Nigerians regarding the Nigerian government’s advocacy for CNG as a safe fuel alternative. This initiative, amidst worrying incidents of explosions involving CNG vehicles, has led citizens to question the wisdom behind such a push, especially given Malaysia’s strategic shift. The debate continues as critics call for more thorough inspections and safer practices before promoting a transition to CNG.

Original Source: punchng.com