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The Presidency has clarified that the expected lifespan of a Compressed Natural Gas cylinder is 15 years, emphasising that after this period, the cylinder should be replaced to ensure safety and maintain the integrity of the gas storage system.
It said the procedure is to regulate and improve safety standards in the use of compressed natural gas across the country.
The Senior Special Assistant on Digital/New Media to the President, O’tega Ogra, disclosed this in a post on Thursday, to allay concerns regarding the safety of Compressed Natural Gas-powered vehicles, recently introduced in Nigeria as an alternative to petrol-powered cars.
On Thursday, Nigerians expressed fear over reports that Malaysia plans to phase out CNG-powered vehicles by 2025.
According to local media source Free Malaysia Today, Malaysia’s Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke, made this announcement at a press conference on Monday.
He explained that the decision was intended to protect road users and the public from the potential hazards posed by ageing CNG tanks.
Loke was quoted as saying, “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.”
From July 1, 2025, CNG-powered vehicles will no longer be registered or allowed to operate in Malaysia.
However, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had earlier clarified that Malaysia’s policy was focused on the safety of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, not CNG.
But the Senior Special Assistant on Digital/Social Media said the lifecycle of a CNG vehicle cylinder is only 15 years.
He said, “What You Need to Know about CNG Cylinders in Your Hybrid (Converted) or Full CNG Vehicle.
“Did you know? The lifecycle of a Compressed Natural Gas cylinder is at least 15 years. After this period, cylinders must be inspected, replaced, or removed to ensure safety and optimal performance. This standard is consistent worldwide, reflecting a commitment to safe and sustainable energy solutions.”
Citing examples of similar situations in foreign countries, Tega noted that countries like India, Malaysia, Canada, and Germany have actively promoted the adoption of CNG, especially in public transportation.
According to him, India has signalled plans to establish 20,000 CNG stations by 2030, while Germany is on its national strategy to achieve 1 million CNG vehicles on German roads by 2025.
He further explained that Malaysia recently launched a program to recall and replace all cylinders installed 15 years ago, providing free replacement to ensure continued safety and compliance.
The post added, “The Indian government has actively promoted the adoption of CNG, especially in public transportation. Cities like Delhi have mandated using CNG for buses and auto-rickshaws, significantly reducing air pollution and enhancing public health.
“As of 2024, India plans to establish 20,000 CNG stations by 2030 to support its growing fleet of gas-based vehicles, reinforcing its commitment to cleaner fuel.
“Malaysia’s government has promoted CNG usage among taxicabs and airport limousines since the late 1990s. With the removal of fuel subsidies beginning in 2008, the country saw a 500 per cent increase in new CNG cylinder installations, especially among private vehicle owners.”
“Enbridge Gas Distribution, Canada’s largest natural gas distribution company, operates one of North America’s largest natural gas vehicle fleets, with over 675 natural gas vehicles. This initiative has reduced fuel costs and aligns with corporate social responsibility goals, setting a standard for CNG fleet adoption.
“The Volkswagen Group in Germany has collaborated with industrial partners promoting CNG as part of a national strategy to achieve 1 million CNG vehicles on German roads by 2025. This commitment represents a significant investment in alternative fuels and highlights the role of public-private partnerships in advancing sustainable fuel options.”
Continuing, the President’s aide noted that the Federal Government has put in place stringent measures to ensure that all converted CNG vehicles are registered and tracked for cylinder monitoring.
He said a Nigerian Gas Vehicle Monitoring System to simplify the process for vehicle owners to bring in hybrid or fully converted cars when cylinder replacements are due is in development and will be rolled out very soon.
“In Nigeria, the PCNGI initiative actively tracks all vehicles converted to CNG, creating a comprehensive safety network for cylinder monitoring. A Nigerian Gas Vehicle Monitoring System is in development, which will simplify the process for vehicle owners to bring in hybrid or fully converted cars when cylinder replacements are due. This way, authorised technicians can safely replace or remove your cylinders after 15 years.”
Highlighting its benefits, Tega said CNG conversion would reduce expenses on fuel purchase and maintenance costs.
He stressed that the PCNGi is on track to deliver 100,000 CNG conversion kits by the end of this year and 1 million vehicles by 2027.
“The savings you’ll gain from using CNG will far outweigh the lifespan of the cylinder, offering peace of mind and economic benefits. Most drivers save substantially over time with CNG, covering both fuel costs and maintenance savings.
“With petrol and diesel prices exceeding N1,000 per litre, switching to CNG—currently priced at 230 naira per litre—provides significant cost savings for you. And remember, a litre of CNG equates to multiple litres of petrol, enhancing these savings even further.
“The PCNGi is on track to 100,000 CNG conversion kits by the end of this year, with about half of this target already installed and more conversions happening daily. Their near-term goal is to convert at least 1 million vehicles by 2027, ensuring the infrastructure and resources are in place to support the demand,” the post concluded.
