Gas, Glamour, and Governance: Navigating CNG Adoption in Nigeria with Influencers and Experts
As Nigeria embarks on the journey toward sustainable energy solutions, compressed natural gas (CNG) has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional fuel sources. The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) recently garnered attention by sending four prominent Nigerian influencers to India to explore the potential of CNG and share their findings with the public. While the initiative aims to spark awareness and foster confidence in this energy transition, it raises critical questions about the role of influencers, the exclusion of industry experts and researchers, and the broader implications for policymaking and public trust.
In this blog, I explore into the growing interest in sustainable transportation in Nigeria, examining the strategic use of cultural icons to promote CNG, the missed opportunities for expert involvement, and the risks of reducing a transformative energy transition to a publicity exercise. How do we ensure this initiative achieves its goals without falling into the trap of mismanagement? What lessons can we draw from the intersection of governance, public engagement, and expertise in shaping Nigeria’s energy future? Let’s explore.
Role of Influencers vs. Professionals and Academic Researchers
The decision to use influencers like 2Face Idibia and Basketmouth rather than professionals in sustainable transport or academic researchers highlights a strategy focused on mass appeal and public engagement. While influencers can spark conversations and reach diverse audiences, they often lack the technical expertise to critically analyze and present nuanced insights into complex topics like CNG adoption. Professionals in sustainable transport and academic researchers bring deep, evidence-based understanding and critical perspectives that could better inform government policy and public discourse.
Missed Opportunities for Expert Contributions
By sidelining professionals and researchers, the initiative risks prioritizing spectacle over substance. Experts could provide data-driven insights, evaluate the applicability of India’s CNG model to Nigeria, and suggest localized strategies for implementation. This omission may demoralize practitioners and researchers who dedicate their careers to advancing sustainable transport and expect to play a central role in shaping policies.
Correlation Between Influencers and CNG Adoption
Influencers can play a role in normalizing CNG adoption by framing it as accessible and desirable. However, their involvement must be balanced with credible information from experts. Without this balance, the campaign risks oversimplifying the transition to CNG, reducing it to a PR exercise rather than a substantive policy shift.
Risks of Misappropriation
Public scepticism about government initiatives in Nigeria is well-founded, especially concerning resource mismanagement. The use of influencers can be perceived as a superficial move that distracts from systemic issues like corruption or inefficiency. Clear, transparent reporting on funding for this initiative, as well as its outcomes, will be essential to dispel such concerns and ensure accountability.
While influencers can spark conversations and reach diverse audiences, they often lack the technical expertise to critically analyse and present nuanced insights into complex topics like CNG adoption.
Impact on the Morale of Practitioners and Researchers
Excluding experts undermines the morale of those in the sustainable transport space. Professionals and researchers may feel devalued when their expertise is overlooked in favor of celebrity endorsements. This could discourage talented individuals from engaging in government-led initiatives and weaken the broader ecosystem of sustainable transport advocacy and innovation.
Ensuring the Initiative’s Credibility
To avoid perceptions of misappropriation and to build credibility:
Incorporate Experts: Professionals and researchers should be involved in designing the initiative and interpreting findings from the India trip.
Share Transparent Outcomes: Publish detailed reports on the insights gained, including expert validation of how these insights apply to Nigeria.
Set Clear Goals: Articulate measurable outcomes beyond raising awareness, such as plans for infrastructure development or pilot projects.
Leverage Influencers Strategically: Ensure influencers collaborate with experts to present credible, fact-based narratives.
Final Reflections
The CNG initiative represents an opportunity to transition Nigeria toward more sustainable energy solutions. However, the decision to rely heavily on influencers over experts raises questions about the government’s priorities. A collaborative approach, blending the reach of influencers with the expertise of practitioners and researchers, would foster a more inclusive, credible, and impactful conversation around CNG adoption. Failure to do so risks alienating key stakeholders, perpetuating public skepticism, and missing an opportunity to drive meaningful change in Nigeria's energy landscape.
