Firm Faults PCNGI’s Blackmail Claims, Demands Transparency

C&L Smart Energy has strongly denied allegations of blackmail made by the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PI-CNG), insisting that the accusations are an attempt to distract from pressing questions about transparency and accountability within the government-backed programme.

C&L Smart Energy, on Monday, described PI-CNG’s recent press release as “spin, distract, and deflect,” and asserted that attacking whistleblowers does not address the core issues of alleged mismanagement, inflated procurement, and lack of oversight in the CNG initiative. The company, led by Mr. Charles Goriola Yakub, is at the center of a public dispute after being suspended from the PI-CNG Conversion Incentive Program in December 2024 over what PICNG described as “sharp practices,” including selling government-supplied conversion kits-intended to be free for commercial operators-at prices between ₦200,000 and ₦1.2 million.

C&L Smart Energy, however, countered that these claims are a smokescreen to avoid answering critical questions: “Where are the audits for the ₦49 billion spent? Why are conversion kits sold for over ₦1.2 million when private players deliver the same for ₦775,000? Why is there no traceability framework for 40,000 kits already distributed?” the company asked in its statement.

PICNG maintains that its investigation into C&L Smart Energy was supported by video evidence and testimonies from affected operators, some of whom reported vehicle damage. The agency has referred the matter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and signaled its intent to pursue legal action over what it calls “ongoing electronic blackmail and cyberbullying”.

Despite the ongoing dispute, C&L Smart Energy insisted that the real issue is the need for transparency and public accountability in the CNG programme, urging authorities to answer questions rather than target critics. The company concluded, “The scandal is out. The people are watching. And the chickens have already bolted.”

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“Our attention has been drawn to a recent press release issued by the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PI-CNG), in which it attempts to discredit the Independent Conversion Sector (ICS) and its whistleblowing campaign led by Mr. Charles Goriola Yakub of C & L Smart Energy.This press statement, crafted by highly paid media consultants *hired to do what PI-CNG does best — spin, distract, and deflect*.

Let it be clear: *accusing the messenger does not erase the message*. Whatever PI-CNG alleges about  Yakub or C & L Smart Energy does not excuse or erase the documented allegations of black-market diversion, insider trading, inflated procurement, and the complete lack of oversight within PI-CNG.

The group issuing the smear, believed to be part of the government-fed CGCC structure, appears more interested in personal attacks than answering basic questions: Where are the audits for the ₦49 billion spent?

“Why are conversion kits sold for over ₦1.2 million when private players deliver the same for ₦775,000? Why is there no traceability framework for 40,000 kits already distributed?

“It is now obvious: PICNG seeks to sanitise nothing but its public image, while the rot within deepens,” the firm queried.