The Federal Government flagged off the deployment of CNG buses in Nigeria to federal universities. The initiative started with the University of Abuja on Thursday.
It aims to alleviate high transportation costs for students and promote the use of cleaner energy on campuses. The project is called ‘CNG-Sprout’ and targets 20 federal universities across the country.
This first phase is part of the wider ‘Project CNG Special Palliative Relief for Universities Transportation.’ The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, commissioned the buses.
He described the project as timely for Nigeria’s energy transition and economic realities. Ekpo prayed the buses would bring hope, relief, and national progress.
It should noted that the initiative seeks to provide immediate relief to students while supporting President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to affordable energy. It also aligns with goals of environmental responsibility and transport reform.
In his words, Ekpo said cushioning vulnerable populations, especially students, remains a national priority.
The federal government implemented the project through the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF). It partners with FEMADEC Energy Limited, praised for timely completion of phase one.
It couldibe recalled that In 2024, the government released N122 billion to six indigenous companies via MDGIF. This funding aims to improve gas infrastructure and encourage gas use in multiple sectors.
Speaking further, Ekpo said the rollout of CNG buses is just the beginning of a transport revolution. According to him, plans include incentives for CNG vehicle conversion and expansion of refuelling infrastructure. Support will also be given for local assembly and innovation in the CNG value chain.
He stressed that this project is not only about transport but also job creation and industrialisation.
In his reaction, MDGIF Managing Director Oluwole Adama applauded President Tinubu’s leadership. He referenced Executive Order 40 and the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas.
Adama highlighted the challenge of deploying CNG refuelling infrastructure in 20 universities and praised FEMADEC for meeting deadlines under pressure.
Also, he assured continued investment in projects that boost domestic natural gas use and economic growth.
Similarly, PiCNG CEO Michael Oluwagbemi said the launch fulfilled Tinubu’s pledge to deploy CNG buses in tertiary institutions.
Oluwagbemi explained the partnership delivers more than vehicles—it delivers hope and innovation. He emphasized building a cleaner transport alternative and an ecosystem fosetering economic opportunities.
The Punch reported that the Minister of Education, Maruf Olatunji Alausa, coordinated participation of vice chancellors from the 20 universities. He earned well-deserved praises for linking the project to institutional performance indicators.
Alausa promised that within 24 months, all Nigerian tertiary institutions will have such amenities on campus. The CNG-Sprout buses will undoubtedly cut transportation costs for students significantly.
The government claimed that the deployment of CNG buses in Nigeria aims to improve mobility while protecting the environment. It sets a precedent for future transport projects nationwide.
In another news, Finance Minister, Wale Edun, claimed that Tinubu’s govt will repay loan with concession of major projects to private sector.
