By Samson Adeyanju
Project Director and Chief Executive Officer, Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi has addressed recent criticisms of the ambitious program designed to shift the nation’s transportation sector from petrol and diesel to compressed natural gas.
He emphasized that CNG offers a significantly cheaper and cleaner energy alternative, with over 100,000 vehicles already converted across Nigeria.
“This initiative is not only driving down fuel costs for Nigerians but is reducing pollution and promoting energy security,” Oluwagbemi asserted.
Reacting to an editorial by The Punch that questioned the program’s effectiveness, Oluwagbemi clarified that there are over 140 conversion centers operating nationwide—not the 50 centers the editorial suggested.
Moreover, he highlighted that commercial vehicle conversions are fully subsidized by the government, with zero cost to drivers, and have already created thousands of new jobs.
In response to safety concerns raised after an explosion in Edo State, Oluwagbemi stressed that CNG is inherently safer than traditional fuels when handled correctly.
He attributed the incident to uncertified cylinders and underscored the initiative’s strict safety protocols.
With over $200 million invested by private partners, Oluwagbemi underscored the Presidential CNG Initiative’s goal to convert one million vehicles in three years.
The program, he added, is actively working with banks to make conversion loans accessible to private citizens.
“We welcome media involvement in advancing the benefits of CNG to all Nigerians, but this must be done with a commitment to factual reporting,” he insisted.
