PCNGI debunks misleading media report

… reels out achievements

The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) has dismissed a media report (not in Tribune) which it said was a misrepresentation of facts deviating from principles of ethical journalism about the achievements of the initiative in the last one year.

A release signed by the Brand and Corporate Communications Manager, PCNGI, Matilda Johnson, and made available to Tribune Online on Friday in Abuja, said the report engaged in speculative reporting backed by unnamed sources and apparent personal agendas saying since its launch last year, PCNGI has facilitated over $800 million in private and public investments, created more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs and also accelerated the adoption of cleaner, cheaper energy alternatives with over 100,000 CNG vehicles operating across Nigeria.

The release also pointed to the recent deployment of 4,000 CNG-powered trucks, 100 virtual pipeline vehicles and others as part of the PCNGI’s impact so far.

“The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) expresses deep concern over the unprofessional and misleading report recently published by Premium Times. The article in question represents a regrettable deviation from the principles of ethical journalism, relying on conjecture, factual misrepresentation, and unfounded innuendos to attack a nationally impactful program.

“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.

“The recent landmark deployment by Dangote Group, featuring 4,000 CNG-powered trucks, 100 virtual pipeline vehicles, and multiple daughter stations, is just one high-profile testament to the Initiative’s impact. Additionally, our partnership with local MSMEs has led to the rise of over 300 conversion centres, from just 7 at inception, with an average of 20 new centres opening weekly.

“Premium Times, however, has chosen to ignore these tangible outcomes, instead engaging in speculative reporting backed by unnamed sources and apparent personal agendas. Its most recent article falsely claims that PCNGI pulled the list of approved conversion centres from our website to conceal information. In truth, the website is undergoing scheduled updates to reflect a larger, more inclusive list of newly approved conversion centres, in line with our transparency standards.

“The publication also irresponsibly misrepresents the role and identity of one Mr David Idakwo, portraying him as a senior decision-maker at PCNGI. This is patently false. Mr Idakwo, a mid-level field officer employed in late 2024, holds no executive role within the organisation and is not involved in strategic decision-making. Efforts to link his past private enterprise affiliations to allegations of nepotism are not only misleading but an affront to the right of every Nigerian to legitimate business pursuits.

“At PCNGI, we remain unwavering in our commitment to transparency, public accountability, and national development. Our ongoing efforts to ensure proper distribution of government-subsidised kits and enforce compliance have inevitably unsettled those seeking to benefit from corruption or sabotage. We view this, perhaps, as the root of Premium Times’ sustained hostility.

“We call on Premium Times to return to the core ethics of journalism in fairness, objectivity, and factual accuracy. 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,” the release read.

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