By Ade Iyamoye
The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), has denied recent allegations by a group identified as the Independent Conversion Sector (ICS), describing the claims as a desperate blackmail campaign by a suspended contractor.
In a statement issued on May 4, 2025, and signed by Kenechukwu Chukwu, Technical Assistant on Stakeholder Management and Public Engagement, the initiative accused Mr. Charles Goriola Yakub of C and L Smart Energy Limited of orchestrating the smear effort after his company was suspended from the PCNGI Conversion Incentive Program in December 2024.
According to the statement, C and L Smart Energy was found guilty of sharp practices, including selling government-issued CNG kits—intended to be installed free for commercial vehicle operators—at prices ranging from two hundred thousand to over one million naira.
PCNGI said its investigation, backed by video evidence and testimonies from victims, confirmed multiple violations, including damage to vehicles.
The matter has been referred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation.
“As an intervention program, PCNGI does not award contracts or handle procurement directly.
“Our role is to promote and enable clean energy transport solutions,” the statement clarified.
It further warned that legal actions would be taken against what it described as electronic blackmail and cyberbullying being perpetuated by Mr. Yakub and his affiliates.
“We remain focused on our mission to deliver affordable and reliable CNG and EV transportation to Nigerians. We will not bow to blackmail or distraction,” the initiative declared.
The public was urged to disregard false claims and continue supporting the government’s clean energy drive in the transport sector.
