PCNGI accuses Abuja firm of fraud, denounces black attempts

4th May 2025
From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) has dismissed what it describes as a sponsored smear campaign by a group linked to an Abuja-based conversion company, declaring that it will not be blackmailed into silence over ongoing reforms.
In a statement issued on over the weekend, and signed by Mr. Kenechukwu Chukwu, Technical Assistant on Stakeholder Management and Public Engagement, the PCNGI alleged that the campaign is being orchestrated by the Independent Conversion Sector (ICS), a group fronted by Mr. Charles Goriola Yakub of C & L Smart Energy Limited, located in Lokogoma, Abuja.

According to the Initiative, C & L Smart Energy was previously part of the PCNGI Conversion Incentive Program but was suspended in December 2024 over allegations of misconduct, including the illegal sale of government-supplied conversion kits meant to be distributed free to commercial vehicle operators. The kits were reportedly sold at prices ranging from N200,000 to N1.2 million.
“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 vehicle damaged,” the statement said.
The Initiative added that the case has since been referred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation.

“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,” the statement explained.
In response to recent online allegations and criticisms allegedly emanating from the suspended company and its associates, the PCNGI described the attacks as “electronic blackmail and cyberbullying” and said legal action would be pursued.
“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 cyber bullying by the subject will also be made. We hope they’re ready to defend their spurious claims in public,” it added.
The PCNGI reaffirmed its commitment to delivering affordable, clean, and sustainable transportation solutions to Nigerians in line with its mandate.