As Nigeria intensifies its focus on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), four prominent cultural icons are set to embark on a fact-finding mission to India.
The trip, organized by the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), includes music legend Innocent Idibia, known as 2Baba; online influencer Waris Akinwande, also known as Ola of Lagos; northern musician Dauda Kahutu, popularly known as Rarara; and comedian Bright Okpocha, known as Basketmouth.
The initiative aims to provide Nigerians with a comprehensive understanding of CNG's potential by showcasing India's successful integration of CNG into various sectors, including commercial transportation and domestic use.
According to a statement released by the PCNGI on Monday, this mission is part of a broader strategy to promote transparency and engage the public through influential personalities who resonate with diverse audiences.
During their trip, the influencers will explore India's CNG value chain, visiting conversion centers, refueling stations, gas distribution hubs, cylinder manufacturers, and industrial sites.
Toyin Subair, Vice Chairman of PCNGI, emphasized the importance of involving Nigerians in the process of utilizing the country’s abundant gas resources. He stated that Nigeria cannot afford doubts about its energy transition, particularly those fueled by political interests.
Subair praised the influencers for their commitment to becoming "the eyes of the people," stating that their involvement will help build public confidence in Nigeria's energy transition.
He highlighted India's experience with CNG—where millions of vehicles have operated on this fuel for over 15 years—as a model for Nigeria's own energy strategy.
The influencers will document their journey in real-time, sharing insights and experiences with their followers across social media platforms.
The trip is supported by Nigerian companies Femadec Energy and Rolling Energy, along with a representative from the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Africa's largest commercial transportation union.
