The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) has enlisted the services of popular Afrobeat artist Tuface Idibia, renowned comedian Basketmouth, lifestyle influencer Ola of Lagos, and Northern musician Rarara to promote and deepen the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Monday by PCNGI’s Vice Chairman, Toyin Subair, the organisation announced a fact-finding trip to India involving the nation’s leading influencers and cultural icons.
The trip aims to provide Nigerians with a clearer understanding of CNG’s potential by showcasing how India, one of the world’s largest adopters of CNG, has successfully integrated it into daily life, from commercial transportation to domestic and industrial use.
“This initiative is part of PCNGI’s broader strategy to promote transparency, spark public conversation, and engage Nigerians through key personalities who resonate with diverse audiences,” Subair said.
He explained that the trip would offer a hands-on exploration of India’s CNG value chain, including visits to conversion centres, refuelling stations, gas distribution hubs, cylinder manufacturers, and industrial sites.
“Our goal is to involve Nigerians in the process of fully utilising our most abundant resource, which is gas. Nigeria cannot afford doubts about our mission to make the country energy-competitive, especially those doubts fuelled by politics or subsidy barons. We finally have a President bold and courageous enough to lead us on this path of economic independence, and we must pursue it together, armed with knowledge and without fear. I salute Tuface, Basketmouth, Ola of Lagos, and Rarara for choosing to be the eyes of the people,” Subair added.
Subair stressed that by using trusted voices to communicate the facts, PCNGI is fostering public confidence in the transition to CNG and empowering Nigerians with knowledge.
The statement highlighted India’s success as a practical case study, noting that tens of millions of vehicles have run on CNG for over 15 years, supported by robust infrastructure. This serves as a model for what a well-planned energy transition can achieve.
The cultural icons and influencers will document their journey in real time, sharing insights, experiences, and key takeaways with their followers online.
The trip is supported by Nigerian-based companies Femadec Energy and Rolling Energy, both operating in the CNG value chain. A representative of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Africa’s largest commercial transportation union, will also join the delegation.
According to Otega Ogra, Senior Special Assistant (Digital/New Media) to President Bola Tinubu and Head of the Presidential Office of Digital Engagement, the initiative is about more than promoting policies blindly.
“This trip is designed to show Nigerians what’s happening on the ground, encouraging them to ask questions, engage with the facts, and contribute to shaping the national energy conversation,” Ogra stated.
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