FG sponsors 2Baba, Ola of Lagos, and two other influencers to study India’s use of CNG

The federal government of Nigeria has enlisted the support of four prominent Nigerian influencers, including music icon 2Face Idibia and lifestyle influencer Ola of Lagos, to learn from India’s successful adoption of compressed natural gas (CNG) as part of Nigeria’s energy transition efforts.

This initiative, organized by the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), also includes northern musician Rarara, comedian Basketmouth, and a representative from the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

The goal is to gain firsthand insights into India’s CNG value chain, encompassing both commercial transportation and industrial applications.

Otega Ogra, the Senior Special Assistant (Digital/New Media) to President Bola Tinubu and head of the Presidential Office of Digital Engagement, confirmed the fact-finding mission. He stated, “This is not about promoting policies blindly; it’s about showing Nigerians what’s happening on the ground, encouraging them to ask questions, engage with the facts, and shape the national energy conversation.”

According to Ogra, the influencers will help provide Nigerians with a clearer understanding of CNG’s potential by experiencing how one of the world’s largest users of CNG, India, has successfully integrated it into daily life.

He added that this trip is part of a broader strategy to promote transparency and public engagement by utilizing trusted personalities who resonate with diverse audiences.

“The trip will include an in-depth exploration of India’s CNG value chain, featuring visits to conversion centres, refuelling stations, gas distribution centres, cylinder manufacturers, and industrial hubs,” Ogra stated.

“Our aim is to involve the citizens in fully utilizing our primary resource, which is gas,” he emphasized.

Toyin Subair, Vice Chairman of PCNGI, commended the influencers for their involvement, saying, “I salute 2Baba, Basketmouth, Ola of Lagos, and Rarara for choosing to be the eyes of the people. By showcasing the facts through trusted voices, we are building confidence in this transition and empowering the public with knowledge.”

Subair highlighted India as a successful model, noting that “with tens of millions of vehicles running on CNG for over 15 years and a robust infrastructure established, India demonstrates what a well-planned energy transition can accomplish.”

The influencers, along with representatives from Femadec Energy and Rolling Energy—two Nigerian companies involved in the CNG value chain—will document their journey in real-time, sharing their experiences and insights online to encourage public dialogue.

“This mission extends beyond gas; it’s about economic independence and dispelling doubts sown by politics and subsidy barons,” Ogra remarked.

“We finally have a president who is bold and courageous enough to guide us on this path, and we must pursue it together, informed by what is possible without fear.”