Here’s a quick rundown:
- P-CNGi accuses a suspended vendor of a smear campaign.
- The vendor, C & L Smart Energy, was suspended for selling subsidized CNG kits at inflated prices.
- The case has been referred to the EFCC for further investigation.
- P-CNGi is threatening legal action against the vendor.
Vendor Blacklisted: The Root of the Problem
The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGi) has pointed fingers at a former vendor, alleging they are the source of recent negative claims against the initiative. According to P-CNGi, this vendor, Charles Goriola Yakubu of C & L Smart Energy Limited, was kicked out of the Conversion Incentive Program in December 2024 due to unethical behavior.
The Accusation: Inflated Prices and Damaged Vehicles
P-CNGi claims that C & L Smart Energy was caught selling government-subsidized CNG kits at exorbitant prices, ranging from ₦200,000 to a whopping ₦1.2 million! These kits were meant to be installed for free for commercial operators, making this a serious breach of trust. Adding insult to injury, some operators reported that their vehicles were damaged as a result of the vendor’s activities.
EFCC Gets Involved: A Case for the Authorities
The P-CNGi isn’t taking these allegations lightly. They’ve reportedly handed the case over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation. This signifies the seriousness with which the government views these claims of fraud and abuse of the CNG program.
P-CNGi Fires Back: Legal Action on the Horizon
In addition to reporting the vendor to the EFCC, P-CNGi is also considering legal action against what they describe as “ongoing electronic blackmail and cyberbullying.” They’ve challenged their accusers to publicly defend their claims, suggesting they have a strong case to make. This could escalate into a full-blown legal battle, further highlighting the controversy surrounding the CNG initiative.
The Bigger Picture: CNG Adoption in Nigeria
The P-CNGi emphasizes that it doesn’t handle contracts or procurement directly, relying instead on government agencies. Their primary focus, they say, is promoting clean and affordable energy solutions through the adoption of compressed natural gas and electric vehicles.
This scandal comes at a crucial time for Nigeria’s push to embrace CNG. With rising fuel prices and a growing awareness of environmental concerns, the government is heavily promoting CNG as a viable alternative. However, incidents like this could undermine public trust and slow down the adoption process.
What’s Next?
The coming weeks will be critical. The EFCC investigation will hopefully shed light on the truth behind the allegations. It remains to be seen whether P-CNGi will pursue legal action and how this controversy will ultimately impact the public’s perception of the CNG initiative. One thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the future of CNG in Nigeria could hang in the balance.
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