By Ezenwa Nwosu
(Partners to the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas – PICNG)
At the heart of Nigeria’s transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy stands a visionary whose leadership is redefining how the nation powers its future.
Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, Program Director of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PICNG), has quickly become the face of Nigeria’s bold shift from fossil fuel dependence to a more affordable, eco-friendly alternative: Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
Since the official launch of PICNG in July 2022, Nigeria’s CNG landscape has experienced a visible transformation. Under Engr. Oluwagbemi’s strategic direction, the initiative has rolled out impactful programs aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, spearheaded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The impact is both real and far-reaching—from the establishment of CNG refueling stations nationwide to the successful conversion of petrol and diesel-powered vehicles. What was once an ambitious plan has rapidly evolved into a growing nationwide movement.
DRIVING CHANGE WITH VISION
The success of PICNG is no accident. It is rooted in Engr. Oluwagbemi’s foresight, strategic thinking, and inclusive leadership. Aware of Nigeria’s fuel subsidy burden and worsening environmental challenges, he has positioned CNG not merely as an energy alternative, but as a catalyst for economic empowerment, youth employment, and environmental protection.
With over 370 conversion and training centers established across the country, 25,000 technicians and engineers have been equipped with CNG expertise,. This effort has especially benefited young people in underserved regions, empowering them with skills that promote self-reliance, economic productivity, and technical growth.
ANCHORED IN THE RENEWED HOPE AGENDA
Engr. Oluwagbemi’s work embodies the core pillars of the Renewed Hope Agenda—innovation, self-sufficiency, and clean energy advancement. The affordability of CNG compared to petrol and diesel has brought significant relief to transport operators while helping reduce Nigeria’s carbon footprint.
Through PICNG’s efforts, buses, tricycles, private vehicles, and heavy-duty trucks are now part of Nigeria’s clean energy transition. From Lagos to Kano, Enugu to Abuja, the footprint of this initiative continues to expand.
Crucially, the project has gone beyond government-led action. Engr. Oluwagbemi has actively encouraged private sector participation, creating opportunities for investors, technicians, entrepreneurs, and drivers to thrive in Nigeria’s expanding CNG ecosystem.
A TRIBUTE TO TEAMWORK
No great success is achieved alone. Engr. Oluwagbemi consistently acknowledges the strength of the PICNG team, whose tireless efforts—ranging from project planning and site supervision to stakeholder engagement—have powered this national transformation.
Their dedication, professionalism, and commitment have earned them respect across the energy and transport sectors. Today, PICNG is not just a government initiative, but a people-centered solution to a national challenge.
LOOKING AHEAD
As global focus intensifies on clean and renewable energy, Nigeria—under the leadership of Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi and the PICNG—is not only catching up but aiming to lead Africa’s clean energy future.
While the journey is ongoing, the milestones achieved in just two years show what is possible when leadership, innovation, and national purpose converge.
We owe a debt of gratitude to Engr. Oluwagbemi and the entire PICNG team—not just for transforming a sector, but for restoring hope, building local capacity, and placing Nigeria firmly on the path to energy security.
The CNG revolution is here, marked by the unmistakable fingerprints of vision, sacrifice, and patriotism.
Nwosu is Corporate Head, Baseline + Johnson Nig. Ltd CNG Conversion Center
