The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) has vowed to stand firm in the face of what it described as a coordinated campaign of blackmail and misinformation aimed at undermining the integrity of the federal government’s clean energy transportation programme.
In a strongly worded statement released on Sunday, Kenechukwu Chukwu, Technical Assistant on Stakeholder Management and Public Engagement for PCNGI, accused a group known as the Independent Conversion Sector (ICS) of orchestrating what he called a “sponsored smear attack.” The initiative linked the campaign to Charles Goriola Yakub, founder of C & L Smart Energy Limited, based in Lokogoma, Abuja.
“The attention of the management of the Presidential CNG Initiative has been drawn to the sponsored smear attack campaign by a certain group known as the Independent Conversion Sector (ICS),” the statement began. “The known individual behind the group is Mr. Charles Goriola Yakub of C & L Smart Energy Limited.”
PCNGI stated that while C & L Smart Energy was formerly one of the licensed conversion partners under the federal CNG Conversion Incentive Program, it was suspended in December 2024 following confirmed reports of fraudulent practices.
According to the initiative, C & L Smart Energy was found to have diverted government-provided CNG conversion kits—meant to be installed free of charge for commercial transporters—selling them instead at prices ranging from ₦200,000 to as high as ₦1.2 million. This not only violated programme guidelines but also imposed undue financial burdens on already struggling Nigerian transport operators.
“The PCNGI conducted an extensive investigation, supported by video evidence and credible documentation,” the statement continued. “Several operators who fell victim to the exploitative practices came forward, with some even reporting that their vehicles were damaged during improper conversions by the company.”
In response to these findings, PCNGI said it took decisive disciplinary action by suspending the company from further participation in the programme and escalating the matter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for deeper investigation and possible prosecution.
Chukwu emphasized that the PCNGI takes issues of accountability and public trust seriously. He added that the programme has maintained a high standard of transparency, working closely with authorized stakeholders and regulatory bodies to ensure clean and affordable energy alternatives reach Nigerians—especially in the transportation sector.
“As an intervention programme, PCNGI does not award contracts or carry out procurement processes independently,” the statement clarified. “It operates in collaboration with established Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) whose job it is to handle procurement and logistics. PCNGI’s mandate is to promote, enable and oversee the smooth rollout and adoption of CNG and electric vehicle (EV) technology across Nigeria.”
Responding to what it described as “electronic blackmail and cyberbullying,” the initiative said it is already preparing legal action against individuals involved in the spread of false narratives. It urged the public and media to remain discerning and avoid being drawn into what it termed a “needless distraction” designed to stall national progress.
“We want to be clear: we will not succumb to blackmail. Our mission is too important. Clean, affordable, and reliable transport is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity, and the PCNGI is committed to delivering this for the benefit of all Nigerians,” Chukwu said.
The statement concluded with a renewed commitment to delivering results under the CNG programme, assuring Nigerians that the federal government remains focused on transitioning the transport sector to environmentally sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions.
“We thank the public for their abiding support for the programme and promise to continue to deliver on our mandate. The path may not be without resistance, but we shall not relent.”
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