*Nigeria’s Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas delists Charles Goriola Yakub of C & L Smart Energy Limited, one of its conversion partners over alleged illegal sales of CNG conversion kits from N200,000 to as high as N1.2 million

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

Following reports of unauthorised sale of government-provided conversion kits, the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas PCNGI announces it has delisted Charles Goriola Yakub of C & L Smart Energy Limited as one of its conversion partners.

Kenechukwu Chukwu, Technical Adviser on Stakeholder Management and Public Engagement, who disclosed this development in a statement Sunday, May 4, 2025, warned of impending legal action against what it describes as a 鈥渟ponsored smear campaign鈥� aimed at discrediting its operations.

The agency said it would not succumb to blackmail or public intimidation.

The statement indicated the delisted partner, based in Lokogoma, Abuja, FCT, was implicated in the illegal sale of government-funded CNG conversion kits.

绿帽献妻 reports the Federal Government has said the CNG conversion kits are to be installed at no cost for commercial vehicle operators in Nigeria.

However, it was noted that Charles Goriola Yakub of C & L Smart Energy Limited reportedly sold the conversion kits at exorbitant prices, ranging from N200,000 to as high as N1.2 million.

PCNGI also alleged that the delisted but disgruntled operator has orchestrated a coordinated online and media campaign aimed at discrediting the Presidential Initiative.

The agency, however, asserted that it is preparing legal and law enforcement responses to what it termed 鈥渆lectronic blackmail and cyberbullying”.

It equally warned that individuals聽 or groups involved in the campaign of calumny against PCNGI would be held accountable for their public claims.

The statement noted that PCNGI does not handle procurement, or award contracts directly, as it operates as a facilitative body in collaboration with relevant government agencies in the country.

“The attention of the management of the Presidential CNG Initiative has been drawn to the sponsored smear attack campaign by a certain group known as Independent Conversion Sector.

“The known individual behind the group is Mr. Charles Goriola Yakub of C & L Smart Energy Limited, Lokogoma, Abuja,” it said.

PCNGI further explained: 鈥淩ecords show that C & L Smart Energy was part of the PCNGI Conversion Incentive Programme up until December 2024, when it was suspended due to sharp practices of selling government kits otherwise meant to be installed for free for commercial operators at prices ranging from 200,000 Naira to 1.2 million Naira.

“PCNGI investigation backed with video evidence and documentation was extensive, and several operators who fell victim to the sharp practices of Mr. Charles and his company came forward, some of whom also had their vehicles damaged.”

The statement noted: 鈥淧CNGI took decisive actions against sharp practices to sanitise the system and have since referred the case for further investigation to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

“We take the integrity of the programme seriously. As an intervention programme, 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.”

It also said: 鈥淲e remain focused on this mission. And implore the Press and public to avoid the needless distraction.

“In due course, legal actions and reports to law enforcement on the ongoing electronic blackmail and cyberbullying by the subject will also be made. We hope they鈥檙e ready to defend their spurious claims in public.”

PCNGI stated: 鈥淲e thank the public for their abiding support for the programme and promise to continue to deliver clean, cheap and reliable transportation powered by CNG and EV vehicles for all Nigerians in line with our mandate. We shall not relent.鈥�