Executive Chairman and CEO, Barr. Ismaeel Ahmed

ABUJA, NIGERIA – Nigeria’s transition from policy promises to measurable public benefits took centre stage on Thursday, 5 November 2026, as the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG) and Electric Vehicles (EV), led by its Executive Chairman and CEO, Barr. Ismaeel Ahmed, advanced conversations around governance, energy affordability and institutional partnerships.

Ahmed convened the Progressives Strategy Roundtable at the Los Angeles Event Centre, Abuja, under the theme “Promise to Proof: The Renewed Hope Conversation.” The gathering brought together senior government officials, ministers, agency heads, political stakeholders and citizens to examine the implementation and impact of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Across five sessions covering education, agriculture, energy, security and the economy, government representatives presented policy updates, discussed achievements and received direct feedback from participants. The central message was that public policies must be explained, measurable and ultimately reflected in the everyday experiences of Nigerians.

Ahmed emphasised the need to move beyond political promises, insisting that government must demonstrate results while remaining open about areas requiring improvement.

The discussions gained practical significance through a separate engagement at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters, where General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd) received Ahmed and his management team to explore a partnership aimed at making transportation more affordable and accessible for military personnel.

A major proposal involves introducing CNG-powered buses to ease daily commuting costs for defence personnel. The engagement also recognised the Armed Forces’ technical capacity to support Nigeria’s wider adoption of cleaner energy and electric mobility.

Together, these engagements illustrate an important dimension of national development: connecting policy, institutional collaboration and practical solutions that address the economic pressures facing citizens.

Nigeria’s abundant gas resources offer opportunities to reduce dependence on more expensive transport fuels, stimulate investment, create employment and support a more sustainable mobility system. However, success will depend on infrastructure, affordability, effective implementation and public confidence.

Among those attending the Roundtable were General Christopher Musa (Rtd), Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, Prince Ade Omole of Diaspora PCC Directorate, Dr Sanusi Ohiare, Dr Suwaiba Said Ahmad, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye and other senior public officials and stakeholders.

For Ahmed and the Pi-CNG and EV initiative, the challenge is now to ensure that the Renewed Hope conversation translates into visible improvements in transportation, energy access and the wider Nigerian economy.

BEN TV – Bridging the Gap.