President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has named Barrister Ismael Ahmed as the new Executive Chairman of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi).
The appointment was announced Friday, June 27, by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
Ahmed, 45, is expected to lead the federal government’s push to make compressed natural gas (CNG) a mainstream, affordable energy source for Nigerians. The initiative, launched in August 2023, is part of the government’s broader effort to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal by promoting cleaner and cheaper alternatives.
As Executive Chairman, Ahmed will oversee programs to convert vehicles to CNG, deploy CNG-powered buses, and encourage local manufacturing of conversion kits. The PCNGi also plans to set up technical workshops nationwide, create jobs through technical training, and attract investment in CNG infrastructure.
Ahmed brings extensive experience in public service. He previously served as Senior Special Assistant to former President Muhammadu Buhari on the National Social Investment Programme, where he helped expand welfare initiatives for vulnerable Nigerians. He holds a law degree from the University of Abuja and a master’s in international relations from Webster University, Missouri.
With his appointment, the government aims to accelerate the adoption of CNG and ease the financial burden on citizens and businesses facing high fuel costs.
