The Federal Government has begun deploying Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered buses to federal universities, starting with the University of Abuja.
The initiative aims to cushion high transportation costs and promote cleaner energy use on campuses, with plans to replicate the project across 20 federal universities nationwide.
– The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) emphasised the government’s commitment to energy affordability, environmental responsibility, and transport sector reform.
The Federal Government has flagged off the deployment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered buses to Nigerian universities, beginning with the University of Abuja. The project, tagged ‘CNG-Sprout’, aims to provide immediate palliative relief to students while promoting cleaner energy use on campuses.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the initiative as a timely response to Nigeria’s energy transition and 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,” Ekpo said.
The CNG-Sprout buses are expected to significantly reduce transportation costs for students while reducing Nigeria’s carbon footprint. The project is being implemented through the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund in partnership with FEMADEC Energy Limited.
The government plans to unveil further incentives for CNG vehicle conversion, expand refuelling infrastructure, and support local assembly and innovation in the CNG value chain. “This is not just a transport solution, it is a jobs and industrialisation pathway,” Ekpo added.
