PCNGI Suspends Partner Over Alleged Fraudulent Practices………………..
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) has suspended and delisted one of its conversion partners, C & L Smart Energy Limited, over alleged misconduct.
In a statement issued by Kenechukwu Chukwu, Technical Adviser on Stakeholder Management and Public Engagement, the company’s representative, Mr. Charles Goriola Yakub, was accused of illegally selling government-provided CNG conversion kits—meant to be installed free of charge to commercial vehicle operators—for amounts ranging from ₦200,000 to ₦1.2 million.
Chukwu stated that C & L Smart Energy remained a part of the PCNGI Conversion Incentive Program until December 2024, when it was suspended after an internal investigation uncovered extensive evidence of wrongdoing, including video footage and multiple complaints from affected operators. Some of the victims also reported vehicle damage during the conversion process.
The PCNGI has referred the case to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation.
The initiative clarified that it does not award contracts or handle procurement directly, as it operates through partnerships with other government agencies, focusing solely on promotion and enablement of CNG adoption.