The Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated the deployment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses to Nigerian universities, commencing with the University of Abuja. This initiative is designed to alleviate high transportation costs and foster the adoption of cleaner energy sources on campuses. The project, officially named CNG-Sprout (Special Palliative Relief on University Transportation), is currently in its initial phase and is slated for replication across 20 federal universities throughout the country.

During the commissioning ceremony, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, characterized the initiative as a pertinent response to Nigeria's ongoing energy transition and current economic conditions. He stated, “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.” Minister Ekpo elaborated that the project aims to provide immediate palliative relief to students and aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s comprehensive strategy for energy affordability, environmental stewardship, and transport sector reform. “As we navigate energy reforms and shift towards cleaner fuels, cushioning the impact on vulnerable populations, particularly students, remains a key national priority,” Ekpo affirmed.

The minister further emphasized that the rollout of CNG buses marks the beginning of an extensive plan to transform Nigeria’s public transportation system. “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. This is not just a transport solution, it is a jobs and industrialisation pathway,” he added.

The CNG-Sprout project is being executed via the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) in collaboration with FEMADEC Energy Limited. FEMADEC Energy Limited received commendation for successfully completing the first deployment phase on schedule and under pressure. It was also noted that in 2024, the government disbursed N122 billion through the MDGIF to six indigenous companies to enhance Nigeria’s gas infrastructure and encourage gas utilization across various sectors.

Oluwole Adama, the Managing Director of MDGIF, praised President Tinubu for providing decisive “executive steer” through measures like Executive Order 40 and the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PiCNG). Adama highlighted that establishing CNG refuelling infrastructure in 20 universities is a considerable achievement, considering the time and resource limitations. He also assured that the MDGIF would persist in making prudent investments in projects that boost domestic natural gas consumption and stimulate economic growth through strategic infrastructure development.

Michael Oluwagbemi, Chief Executive Officer of the PiCNG, remarked that the launch fulfilled President Tinubu’s post-inauguration commitment to deploy CNG buses, particularly to tertiary institutions. “Through this partnership, we are delivering more than just buses and tricycles. We are delivering hope, innovation, and a future-forward solution to the mobility and energy challenges facing our academic communities,” Oluwagbemi stated. He added that the government is not only building a cleaner transport alternative but also an ecosystem that supports innovation and creates economic opportunity.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, commended President Bola Tinubu for his various initiatives aimed at enhancing the welfare of students in Nigerian tertiary institutions, including the provision of free WiFi, solar power projects, and the CNG-Sprout programme. Dr. Alausa praised the initiative, foreseeing its potential to transform the education system in Nigeria. He also lauded Minister Ekpo for spearheading the waste-to-wealth initiative within the gas sector and encouraged Nigerians to exercise patience as these initiatives progress.

Professor Patricia Lar, Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, expressed that students and staff stand to benefit from more affordable transportation options, both on and off campus, as they transition from petrol and diesel-powered vehicles to those running on CNG. She revealed that the university has already taken delivery of five 18-seater buses and several tricycles powered by CNG.

Fola Akinola, Managing Director of FEMADEC Energy Limited, described the initiative as an integrated project that extends beyond the mere provision of buses and tricycles. According to Akinola, the programme incorporates a gas curriculum designed to enable students to work with CNG technology and acquire skills in areas such as conversion kits.