The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) has issued a strong statement rejecting allegations of misconduct and vowing to press forward with its program. In a Sunday announcement delivered by Kenechukwu Chukwu, the initiative’s Technical Assistant for Stakeholder Management and Public Engagement, the PCNGI denounced what it termed a “fabricated smear campaign.”
The statement detailed the accusations, citing a group known as the Independent Conversion Sector (ICS) as the source of the attacks. “The PCNGI leadership has become aware of a coordinated effort to discredit the initiative through false claims and misrepresentations,” the statement read.
The PCNGI maintained its dedication to transparency and the successful rollout of its CNG program. It identified Mr. Charles Goriola Yakub of C & L Smart Energy Limited in Lokogoma, Abuja, as the individual behind the ICS.
The statement continued, “Our records indicate that C & L Smart Energy participated in the PCNGI Conversion Incentive Program until its suspension in December 2024. This suspension resulted from the company’s unethical practices, including the sale of government-supplied kits—intended for free installation for commercial operators—at exorbitant prices ranging from 200,000 to 1.2 million naira.”
The PCNGI emphasized the thoroughness of its investigation, stating, “Our inquiry, supported by video evidence and documentation, uncovered numerous instances of Mr. Yakub and his company’s misconduct. Numerous operators who were victims of these practices have come forward, some reporting vehicle damage as well.”
The PCNGI reported taking swift action to address these fraudulent activities, stating that the case has been forwarded to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation. “The integrity of this program is paramount,” the statement asserted.
The initiative clarified its role, explaining, “As an intervention program, the PCNGI does not directly award contracts or handle procurement. We rely on other government agencies for these functions, enabling us to focus on program promotion and implementation.”
The PCNGI concluded by urging the public and the press to disregard these distractions. “We are committed to our mission,” the statement declared. “Legal action will be taken against the ongoing cyberbullying and online harassment. We anticipate that these individuals will be prepared to publicly defend their unsubstantiated allegations. We thank the public for its continued support and reiterate our commitment to providing clean, affordable, and reliable CNG and EV transportation options for all Nigerians.”
