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The federal government has launched a transportation initiative called "Project CNG-SPROUT," designed to promote the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) transportation across Nigerian universities.
The minister of state for petroleum resources (gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, announced this on Thursday during the project's pilot phase inauguration at the FEMADEC AutoGas Centre, Yakubu Gowon University, also known as UniAbuja.
This initiative is the first of 20 projects expected to be implemented in universities nationwide, with an additional five set to be introduced in June.
It aims to enhance mobility and lower transportation costs for students and faculty by establishing CNG ecosystems, providing CNG-powered buses and tricycles, and offering subsidized conversion services for the vehicles of lecturers.
The project, which is part of the Special Palliative Relief on University Transportation (CNG – SPROUT) initiative, will deploy CNG buses, tricycles, conversion centers, and refueling infrastructures across campuses.
Ekpo emphasized the necessity of alleviating the burden of high transportation costs on vulnerable groups, particularly students, stating, "This project is a key national priority as Nigeria transitions to cleaner energy sources."
He also mentioned that further incentives related to CNG vehicle conversions, expanding refueling infrastructures, and promoting local assembly innovations in the CNG value chain would be announced soon.
"President Bola Tinubu is committed to prioritizing energy affordability, security, and environmental responsibility; today’s commissioning exemplifies that commitment," he noted.
"Through the Presidential Compressed Gas Initiative (P-CNGI), we are not only addressing the impacts of recent subsidy reforms but also setting the stage for a modern, gas-driven transportation economy."
Ekpo highlighted that as Nigeria moves toward energy reform, the focus on vulnerable populations like students remains crucial.
He commended FEMADEC Energy for its vision and leadership in executing this project, indicating that Nigerian companies can lead in energy innovation when they collaborate effectively with public and private sectors for national development.
The minister praised the MDGIF's role as a consistent partner in advancing Nigeria's decade of gas vision by providing essential funding and infrastructure support to projects benefiting the Nigerian populace.
He acknowledged the collaborative efforts of P-CNGI, the federal ministry of education, the ministry of transportation, university officials, and private sector partners, whose contributions made this project feasible.
He noted that the concerns and aspirations of students have influenced this intervention, and the government aims to ensure that affordable transport, clean energy, and innovation remain accessible to students.
Ekpo reiterated the government’s commitment to furthering the decade of gas agenda by expanding similar initiatives beyond university campuses to other public and commercial sectors.
In the near future, more incentives will be introduced for CNG vehicle conversion, with plans for expanding refueling infrastructures and supporting local assembly and innovation within the CNG value chain.
Education minister Tunji Alausa praised the project, stating that it would allow faculty and students to convert their vehicles to CNG and access affordable transportation.
He expressed his approval of the government's recent reforms and initiatives to enhance education in various universities. Patricia Lar, the acting vice-chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University (formerly UniAbuja), expressed her excitement for the project, commending the federal government and project organizers for their efforts.
She thanked facilitators for providing five 18-seater buses and multiple tricycles for the pilot program, highlighting the transportation challenges faced by students and indicating that this initiative would provide them with immediate relief.
The MDGIF, managed by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), is a fund aimed at enhancing gas infrastructure and utilization.
The CNG – SPROUT project is being executed through the collaboration of MDGIF, P-CNGI, and FEMADEC Energy.
