President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Barrister Ismael Ahmed as the Executive Chairman of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi).
The appointment was announced in a statement issued on June 27, 2025, by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
As Executive Chairman, Ahmed will oversee the implementation and operations of the PCNGi — a key component of the administration’s palliative programme aimed at providing cheaper, cleaner, and more affordable energy alternatives in the wake of fuel subsidy removal.
“Ahmed will coordinate the operations of the Presidential CNG Initiative, designed to ease the impact of fuel subsidy removal by promoting the adoption of compressed natural gas as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly energy source,” the statement read.
About the Initiative
Launched in August 2023, the PCNGi is part of the federal government’s broader effort to diversify Nigeria’s energy mix and lower transport costs. It focuses on accelerating the adoption of compressed natural gas (CNG) through vehicle conversions, deployment of CNG-powered buses, and support for local assembly and manufacturing of conversion kits.
The programme also aims to:
- Establish a network of technical workshops across all states and geopolitical zones for CNG conversion and maintenance
- Provide technical training and create job opportunities
- Introduce financing options for mass transit operators
- Attract private investment in CNG infrastructure, including processing, distribution, and after-sales services
Profile of Ismael Ahmed
Ahmed, 45, is an experienced public servant and legal practitioner. He previously served as Senior Special Assistant to former President Muhammadu Buhari on the National Social Investment Programme (2018–2022), where he helped expand welfare programmes for vulnerable groups.
A graduate of Law from the University of Abuja (2005), Ahmed was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2006. He also holds a Master’s degree in International Relations, Communications, and Diplomacy from Webster University, St. Louis, Missouri (2008).
His appointment is expected to strengthen efforts to expand affordable and cleaner energy solutions across Nigeria, while supporting job creation and sustainable economic development.
