Abuja, Nigeria— In a strategic move to mitigate transportation costs and advance cleaner energy adoption, the Federal Government has commenced the deployment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses across Nigerian universities.
The rollout began at the University of Abuja, under the flagship initiative ‘CNG-Sprout’, a sub-project of the broader ‘Project CNG Special Palliative Relief for Universities Transportation’, which is scheduled for implementation in 20 federal universities nationwide.
Commissioning the first phase of the initiative in Abuja, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the development as a timely intervention aligned with Nigeria’s ongoing energy reforms and socio-economic realities.
“I hereby commission the Project CNG-Sprout buses for deployment to university campuses across the country. May they serve as vehicles not just of transport but of hope, relief, and national progress,” the minister remarked.
He noted that the CNG deployment is part of a deliberate effort to offer immediate relief to students while reinforcing President Bola Tinubu’s vision for sustainable energy, affordable transport, and environmental responsibility.
Highlighting the initiative’s significance, Ekpo stated, “As we navigate energy reforms and shift towards cleaner fuels, cushioning the impact on vulnerable populations, particularly students, remains a key national priority.”
The initiative is being executed through the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF), in collaboration with FEMADEC Energy Limited, which was lauded for its timely delivery of the first batch of CNG buses.
It will be recalled that in 2024, the Federal Government allocated N122 billion to six indigenous firms via the MDGIF to boost gas infrastructure and encourage gas utilization across sectors.
Ekpo further disclosed that the CNG initiative marks the beginning of a larger transformation within the nation’s transport ecosystem. “In the coming months, we will be unveiling further incentives for CNG vehicle conversion, expanding refuelling infrastructure, and supporting local assembly and innovation in the CNG value chain,” he announced.
In his remarks, Mr. Oluwole Adama, Managing Director of MDGIF, credited the success of the project to strong executive leadership, including Executive Order 40 and the Presidential Initiative on CNG.
“As we unveil the first four facilities here in Abuja, we commend FEMADEC for delivering under pressure and within tight timelines,” Adama noted.
By Adeola Olaniya | May 29, 2025
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