The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGi) has attributed recent allegations against its operations to a vendor previously suspended from its Conversion Incentive Program for unethical practices.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, Kenechukwu Chukwu, Technical Assistant on Stakeholder Management and Public Engagement at P-CNGi, identified the source of the claims as Charles Goriola Yakubu of C & L Smart Energy Limited, a vendor suspended in December 2024. The group behind the allegations, the Independent Conversion Sector (ICS), is led by Yakubu, according to P-CNGi.

“The attention of the management of the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI) has been drawn to a sponsored smear campaign by a group known as the Independent Conversion Sector (ICS). The individual known to be behind the group is Mr. Charles Goriola Yakubu of C & L Smart Energy Limited, Lokogoma, Abuja,” the statement read.

P-CNGi stated that C & L Smart Energy was suspended following findings that it sold government-issued CNG kits—intended to be installed at no cost to commercial operators—at inflated prices between ₦200,000 and ₦1.2 million.

The agency said its investigation was supported by video recordings and witness testimonies, including reports of vehicle damage linked to the vendor’s activities.

“Records show that C & L Smart Energy was part of the PCNGI Conversion Incentive Program until December 2024, when it was suspended due to sharp practices… Several operators who fell victim to the fraudulent activities of Mr. Yakubu and his company came forward, with some reporting that their vehicles were also damaged,” Chukwu stated.

According to the agency, the matter has been referred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation. P-CNGi noted that it does not award contracts or engage in procurement directly, instead relying on relevant government agencies while focusing on its mandate of promoting clean and affordable energy solutions.

“We take the integrity of this program seriously… We remain committed to this mission and urge the press and the public to avoid unnecessary distractions,” the statement added.

P-CNGi also signalled its intent to pursue legal action in response to what it described as ongoing electronic blackmail and cyberbullying related to the allegations.

“We hope they are prepared to defend their spurious claims publicly,” the statement concluded.

The Initiative called on the public to continue supporting efforts to expand access to compressed natural gas and electric vehicle solutions across Nigeria.