By Eshiorameh Sebastian, Abuja
The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) has said it would not bow to any attempt to blackmail or tarnish its reputation, following what it describes as a “sponsored smear campaign” by a group calling itself the Independent Conversion Sector (ICS).
PCNGI stated this in a statement issued on Sunday by its technical Adviser, Stakeholders Management, Kenechukwu Chukwu, in which it alleged that the group was allegedly spearheaded by Charles Goriola Yakub of C & L Smart Energy Limited, based in Lokogoma, Abuja.
The statement followed a Freedom of Information (FOI) request submitted last week by C and L Smart Energy Solutions, requesting the PI-CNG to provide detailed records on his its financial allocations and kit distribution under the government’s clean energy transition programme.
The request also called for immediate disclosure of vital details concerning the initiative’s operations and financial records. Submitted under Sections 1, 2, and 4 of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2011, the demand was directed to the Director of Programmes at the PCNGI Secretariat.
Specifically, the company is pressing for full documentation on the distribution of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits, including comprehensive records of beneficiaries, dates of distribution, locations, and the exact quantities supplied to accredited conversion centres.
Additionally, the firm is asking for the release of approval lists for the centres, the criteria for approval since 2023, and records of any infractions, disciplinary actions, and third-party escalations, such as referrals to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Also included in the FOI request are the official grievance and redress procedures for the PCNGI programme and detailed financial reports outlining the budgeted versus disbursed funds under the CNG subsidy programme.
However, the PCNGI has dismissed the recent demands as nothing more than a campaign of blackmail and cyberbullying by the company in question.
It alleged that official records show that C & L Smart Energy had previously participated in the PCNGI Conversion Incentive Programme before being suspended in December 2024 over serious allegations of fraudulent activities.
The initiative maintains that the suspension was justified, citing evidence of misconduct that undermined the programme’s integrity. Rather than engaging with what it calls baseless accusations, PCNGI insists its focus remains on delivering transparent and accountable operations in line with its mandate.
According to PCNGI, the company was accused of selling government-provided conversion kits, meant to be distributed free of charge to commercial vehicle operators, at exorbitant prices ranging from N200,000 to N1.2 million.
The initiative stated that its investigations, supported by video evidence and documented testimonies, uncovered multiple cases where operators were exploited, with some vehicles sustaining damage due to improper installations.
In response, PCNGI took decisive action, suspending the company and referring the matter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation.
The initiative emphasised its zero-tolerance policy for corruption, stating that it remains committed to maintaining the integrity of its intervention programme.
As an enabler of Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy, PCNGI clarified that it does not directly award contracts or handle procurements, relying instead on other government agencies to fulfil those functions while it focuses on advocacy and implementation.
The initiative also warned that it would take legal action against what it termed “ongoing electronic blackmail and cyberbullying” by the accused parties, challenging them to publicly substantiate their allegations.
PCNGI expressed gratitude to the public for their continued support and reaffirmed its dedication to providing affordable, reliable, and environmentally friendly transportation solutions through CNG and electric vehicles (EVs) across Nigeria.
Read Full Statement:
PRESS RELEASE P-CNGİ 4, MAY, 2025 PCNGI WILL NOT BOW TO BLACKMAIL The attention of the management of the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI) has been drawn to the sponsored smear attack campaign by a certain group known as Independent Conversion Sector (ICS). The known individual behind the group is Mr. Charles Goriola Yakub of C & L Smart Energy Limited, Lokogoma, Abuja.
Records shows that C & L Smart Energy was part of the PCNGI Conversion Incentive Program up until December 2024 when it was suspended due to sharp practices of selling government kits otherwise meant to be installed for free for commercial operators at prices ranging from 200,000 naira to 1.2 million naira.
PCNGI investigation backed with video evidence and documentation was extensive and several operators that fell victim to the sharp practices of Mr. Charles and his company came forward, some of whom also had their vehile damaged. PCNGI took decisive actions against sharp practices to sanitize the system and have since referred the case for further investigation to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). We take the integrity of the program serious. As an intervention program, PCNGI does not award contracts or procure by itself, it depends on other MDAs to do so to focUs on its core role of promotion and enablement. We remain focused on this mission. And implore the Press and public to avoid the needless distraction. In due course, legal actions and report to law enforcement on the ongoing electronic blackmail and yber bullying by the subject will also be made. We hope they’re ready to defend their spurious claims in public.
We thank the public for their abiding support for the program and promise to continue to deliver on clean, cheap and reliable transportation powered by CNG and EV vehicles for all Nigerians in line with our mandate. We shall not relent.
Signed, Kenechukwu ChukwU TA, Stakeholder Management and
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