In a move to strengthen Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy alternatives, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Barrister Ismael Ahmed as the Executive Chairman of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi).
The appointment, announced in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, underscores the administration’s commitment to mitigating the economic impact of fuel subsidy removal by promoting affordable and sustainable energy solutions.
Ahmed, a 45-year-old legal practitioner and policy expert, brings a wealth of experience to the role.
He holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Abuja (2005) and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2006. He further obtained a master’s degree in International Relations, Communications, and Diplomacy from Webster University, Missouri, USA, in 2008.
His previous role as Senior Special Assistant to former President Muhammadu Buhari on the National Social Investment Programme (2018–2022) equipped him with critical insights into large-scale government interventions, making him a strategic choice to lead the PCNGi.
The PCNGi is a key component of the Tinubu administration’s palliative measures, aimed at providing Nigerians with cheaper and cleaner energy alternatives following the discontinuation of petrol subsidies.
The initiative is expected to accelerate the adoption of compressed natural gas (CNG) as a viable fuel option, reducing transportation costs and environmental pollution.
Ahmed’s appointment signals the government’s determination to ensure effective implementation of the CNG rollout, which has been identified as a major priority in Nigeria’s energy transition plan. His mandate will include overseeing policy execution, stakeholder engagement, and the expansion of CNG infrastructure nationwide.
The Presidency expressed confidence that Ahmed’s expertise in public administration and social intervention programs will drive the success of the initiative, ultimately delivering tangible benefits to Nigerians amid rising fuel costs.
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