Tinubu appoints Ahmed, ex-Buhari’s aide as executive chairman of PCNGi

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has named Ismael Ahmed, as the new Executive Chairman of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi), a programme aimed at mitigating the impact of fuel subsidy removal by providing affordable and cleaner energy alternatives. The PCNGi forms part of the Tinubu administration’s broader palliative intervention strategy to ease economic pressures on Nigerians. In his new role, Ahmed will oversee the coordination and implementation of the initiative’s operations.

According to a statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed confidence in Ahmed’s appointment, stating: “Barrister Ismael Ahmed brings a wealth of experience and dedication that will be vital in advancing our goal of delivering cheaper and cleaner energy solutions to our people.”

Ahmed, 45, holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Abuja (2005) and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2006. He furthered his education at Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri, earning a master’s degree in International Relations, Communications, and Diplomacy in 2008.

Before this appointment, Ahmed served as Senior Special Assistant on the National Social Investment Programme under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2018 to 2022.