…Denies allegations of nepotism, opacity
From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) said Nigeria’s transition to gas-powered vehicles has attracted over $800 million in investments and created more than 100,000 jobs in the last year.
The agency disclosed this in a statement issued Thursday by its Brand and Corporate Communications Manager Matilda Johnson, insisting that the programme is recording massive progress despite attempts by some individuals to discredit its efforts.
According to the PCNGI, the number of CNG-powered vehicles operating in the country has risen to over 100,000, representing a fivefold increase within one year.
It said the recent rollout of 4,000 CNG-powered trucks, 100 virtual pipeline vehicles, and multiple daughter stations by Dangote Group demonstrates the growing impact of the initiative on Nigeria’s economy.
The initiative also noted that the number of conversion centers has grown from 7 to over 300 nationwide, driven by partnerships with small businesses and auto technicians. It said an average of 20 new centers are being established every week.
PCNGI further dismissed recent claims questioning the transparency and operations of the program, describing them as misleading, speculative, and damaging to national interest.
Reacting to allegations that it pulled down its list of conversion centers from its website, PCNGI explained that the portal is currently being updated to reflect a larger and more inclusive list of newly accredited centers.
The initiative also refuted allegations linking one of its staff members, Mr. David Idakwo, to senior decision-making roles within the organisation.
According to PCNGI, Idakwo is a mid-level field officer hired in late 2024 and holds no executive role.
“Attempts to link his past private business affiliations to allegations of nepotism are not only misleading but an affront to the right of every Nigerian to pursue legitimate enterprise,” the statement read.
The PCNGI suggested that its strict enforcement of accountability in the distribution of subsidized conversion kits and measures against non-compliant actors may have unsettled some individuals, resulting in unfounded allegations.
“We remain committed to transparency, public accountability, and national development. Constructive criticism is welcome, but deliberate distortion in the service of sensationalism or hidden agendas only undermines national progress. Nigeria deserves journalism that builds, not journalism that destroys,”it added.
