The Nigerian presidency has raised concerns about deliberate attempts to undermine the Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, project, a key initiative of the federal government.
According to Dada Olusegun, Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on social media, some individuals are spreading false information to discredit the CNG project and create confusion among Nigerians.
Cyber Reporters recall a recent devastating road accident in Ebonyi State which claimed the lives of at least five people when their bus caught fire.
Unfortunately, some have falsely linked the accident to the bus’s use of CNG.
However, Olusegun clarified that police investigations and credible media outlets have confirmed no CNG involvement in the incident.
The CNG project aims to provide a cleaner, cheaper, and safer alternative to traditional fuels.
He said with the support of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPC, and NIPCO, the initiative has already seen the commissioning of 12 CNG stations in the Federal Capital Territory and Lagos.
The presidency emphasized that CNG offers numerous benefits, including environmental advantages, cost savings, and enhanced energy security.
The presidency urges those spreading misinformation to cease their actions and instead focus on supporting the CNG innovative initiative.
He said:
“Fake news purveyors will go to any length to spread misinformation, and we have a duty to resist them.
“Just as the misinformation surrounding the student loan issue was debunked, there are now evident attempts to undermine the CNG project. A recent picture was taken from Linda Ikeji’s blog and used to create confusion and fear among Nigerians about CNG conversions.
“The story describes a tragic incident:
“At least five people were burned beyond recognition when a passenger bus caught fire in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. The incident occurred along the Abakaliki-Enugu Expressway near the G-Hostel junction on Thursday night, October 24, 2024.
“The spokesperson for the State Police Command, Joshua Ụkandu, confirmed the incident, stating that the bus hit obstacles placed by a maintenance team repairing the road, causing it to catch fire.”
“Reports from Premium Times and PM News confirmed the incident, but there was no mention of CNG involvement.”
“As we mourn with the families of the victims, it’s essential for Nigerians to be aware of how certain groups use fake news to stir confusion and distrust in society. This behaviour is both unacceptable and harmful, especially on social media.
“We pray for the speedy recovery of those still in treatment.”
