The Malaysian government’s decision to phase out CNG vehicles by 2025 due to safety risks has caused concerns in Nigeria, where CNG is promoted as an alternative to petrol. Transport Minister Anthony Loke highlighted risks associated with aging CNG tanks. Nigerian citizens express skepticism about CNG safety following incidents involving explosions in converted vehicles, questioning the government’s promotion of CNG amid Malaysia’s regulatory changes.
The recent Malaysian government’s announcement to ban the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles by 2025 has raised significant concerns in Nigeria, where CNG has been promoted as a safer alternative to petrol. Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke highlighted the decision’s rationale, emphasizing safety issues related to aging CNG tanks, which can become hazardous as they near the end of their 15-year lifespan. The phase-out will affect 44,383 CNG vehicles across the country. In stark contrast, the Nigerian administration, led by President Bola Tinubu, has been actively advocating for CNG vehicles, asserting their advantages amidst rising fuel prices. This dissonance has led to public skepticism about CNG vehicle safety, particularly following reports of explosions involving converted vehicles. Social media users have voiced their apprehensions, questioning the wisdom of transitioning to CNG given Malaysia’s regulatory withdrawal.
The discourse on CNG vehicles in Nigeria is occurring against a backdrop of the Malaysian government’s decisive movement towards phasing out CNG for safety concerns. Malaysia’s Transport Minister, Anthony Loke, argued that aging CNG tanks pose considerable risks, necessitating urgent regulatory changes. Although CNG has been touted by the Nigerian government as an innovative solution to fuel subsidy challenges, the recent events in Malaysia have instigated hesitation and public backlash over the potential dangers associated with compressed natural gas.
The Malaysian decision to phase out CNG vehicles by 2025 has triggered a wave of scrutiny and apprehension in Nigeria, where the government continues to endorse CNG as a viable alternative to petrol. As concerns mount over safety issues and past incidents of vehicle explosions, the Nigerian populace is increasingly questioning the feasibility and safety of transitioning to CNG vehicles. This situation exemplifies the need for a comprehensive assessment of vehicle safety and alternative fuel sources before implementation at a national level.
Original Source: punchng.com
