The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) has defended its performance and transparency record, stating that it has attracted over $800 million in investments and created more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs since its inception.
In a statement issued on Friday, the agency, led by Programme Director Michael Oluwagbemi, said the initiative has significantly advanced Nigeria’s transition to cleaner and cheaper energy alternatives, with more than 100,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles now in operation nationwide a fivefold increase within a single year.
Brand and Corporate Communications Manager at PCNGI, Matilda Johnson, made the disclosure while responding to what she described as a “misleading and unprofessional” online report that questioned the agency’s performance and governance.
“Since its launch, the PCNGI has facilitated over $800 million in private and public investments, created more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs, and significantly accelerated the adoption of cleaner, cheaper energy alternatives. Today, over 100,000 CNG vehicles are operational across Nigeria a fivefold increase in just one year,” Johnson said.
She highlighted a recent milestone by the Dangote Group, which deployed 4,000 CNG-powered trucks, 100 virtual pipeline vehicles, and multiple daughter stations, describing it as a strong endorsement of the initiative’s impact.
Johnson further noted that PCNGI’s collaboration with local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) has led to the rapid expansion of CNG conversion centres across the country from just seven at inception to over 300 currently, with an average of 20 new centres opening each week.
Responding to allegations in the publication, Johnson clarified that the removal of the list of conversion centres from the agency’s website was part of scheduled updates to incorporate a more comprehensive and inclusive list of newly approved centres. “This action reflects our ongoing commitment to transparency,” she stated.
She also refuted claims regarding the alleged influence of a certain Mr. David Idakwo, asserting that he holds no strategic role at PCNGI. “Mr. Idakwo is a mid-level field officer employed in late 2024. He has no executive function within the organisation, and attempts to link him to nepotism through his previous private affiliations are misleading and unfair,” Johnson said.
According to her, the PCNGI remains steadfast in its mission of promoting transparency, curbing corruption, and ensuring proper distribution of government-subsidised CNG kits efforts she said have disrupted vested interests.
While expressing concern over the report, she criticised its reliance on unnamed sources, conjecture, and factual inaccuracies. “The article represents a regrettable departure from ethical journalism,” Johnson said.
“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,” she added.
