PCNGI Sponsors 2Face, Basketmouth, Ola of Lagos on Fact-Finding Trip to India

Four prominent Nigerian entertainers – 2Face Idibia, Rarara, Ola of Lagos, and Basket Mouth – are set to embark on a fact-finding trip to India, organized by the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI). The trip is aimed at enabling these influential figures to gain a clearer understanding of the potential of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and how it has been successfully integrated into India’s everyday life.

According to Toyin Subair, the Vice Chairman of PCNGI, the initiative is part of the organization’s strategy to promote transparency, spark public conversation, and engage Nigerians through key personalities who resonate with diverse audiences.

“Our goal is to let the people of the country be part of the process of us fully utilizing our number one resource which is Gas. Nigeria cannot afford doubt in this our mission to make the country energy competitive, especially the ones sowed by politics and/or subsidy barons,” Subair said.

During the trip, the Nigerian delegation will have the opportunity to explore India’s CNG value chain firsthand, with visits to conversion centers, refueling stations, gas distribution centers, cylinder manufacturers, and industrial hubs. This hands-on experience is expected to provide the entertainers with an understanding of how India has successfully integrated CNG into its transportation, domestic, and industrial sectors.

According to Otega Ogra, the Senior Special Assistant (Digital/New Media) to President Bola Tinubu and Head of the Presidential Office of Digital Engagement,  “This is not about promoting policies blindly, but about showing Nigerians what’s happening on the ground and encouraging them to ask questions, engage with the facts, and shape the national energy conversation.”

The involvement of influential personalities, such as 2Face Idibia, Rarara, Ola of Lagos, and Basket Mouth, is expected to capture the attention of a diverse audience and provide Nigerians with a relatable and engaging perspective on the potential of CNG in the country.

“India’s success story serves as a practical case study. With tens of millions of vehicles running on CNG for over 15 years and a robust infrastructure in place, India demonstrates what a well-planned energy transition can achieve,” Subair added.

However, Nigerians on social media have welcomed this news with skepticism, as they see the trip as a waste of resources and question the relevance of sending entertainers, who are not professionals, on such a fact-finding mission. They argue that the best way for Nigerians to adopt the use of CNG, which has seen slow adoption, is for government officials and policymakers to lead by example and start using it first.

As Nigeria continues its pursuit of economic independence and a more competitive energy sector, this PCNGI-sponsored trip to India aims to empower the public with knowledge and build confidence in the energy transition. Yet, the government faces the challenge of convincing a skeptical public that this initiative is not just a publicity stunt, but a genuine effort to engage citizens and shape a national conversation driven by facts and practical experience.