FG Launches Nationwide Rollout of CNG Buses to Federal Universities

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially begun the rollout of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to federal universities across the country, marking a significant step toward improving transportation within academic institutions while promoting cleaner and more affordable energy solutions. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader objectives of energy transition, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment, particularly in the transport sector.

The launch event took place at the University of Abuja, where the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, commissioned the first batch of CNG buses and tricycles for use on campus. This pilot phase includes the deployment of five 18-seater CNG-powered buses alongside a number of tricycles, which will serve students and staff, making daily commutes more efficient and less costly.

Minister Ekpo described the project as a timely and important intervention that addresses both the high cost of transportation and the need for cleaner fuel alternatives in Nigeria. He emphasized that the rollout reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to reforming the energy and transport sectors by promoting sustainable and affordable energy solutions that will benefit the general populace.

The initiative, known as Project SPROUT (Special Palliative Relief on University Transportation), is executed through a partnership between the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) and FEMADEC Energy Limited, a private sector firm responsible for supplying the buses and managing the operations. The MDGIF Managing Director, Oluwole Adama, praised FEMADEC for the timely completion of the pilot deployment and highlighted the importance of expanding CNG refueling infrastructure, especially within university campuses, to support the growing fleet of CNG vehicles.

A key player in the project is the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), which is driving efforts to scale up the adoption of CNG as an alternative fuel nationwide. PCNGI’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael Oluwagbemi, pointed out that the initiative goes beyond just providing buses and tricycles—it represents a strategic push to bring innovation, environmental benefits, and new economic opportunities to Nigerian communities, particularly in the education sector.

The introduction of CNG buses to federal universities is expected to significantly reduce transportation costs for students and university workers, many of whom face daily challenges with expensive and unreliable transport options. CNG is known for being cheaper than petrol and diesel, with a cleaner burn that reduces harmful emissions. This switch to natural gas-powered vehicles is therefore expected to contribute to lowering air pollution levels on campuses and in surrounding communities.

University officials have welcomed the rollout. At the University of Abuja, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Patricia Lar, expressed optimism that the introduction of CNG buses would enhance mobility on campus, improve accessibility to lectures and other university facilities, and generally ease the burden on students and staff. She further noted that this pilot project could serve as a model for other institutions across Nigeria.

Looking ahead, the Federal Government plans to expand the rollout to at least 20 federal universities nationwide over the coming months. This will involve scaling up the deployment of CNG buses and tricycles, building more CNG refueling stations on campuses, and providing incentives to encourage vehicle owners to convert existing petrol or diesel vehicles to run on natural gas.

The government’s plan also includes supporting local assembly and innovation within the CNG value chain to create jobs and foster economic growth. By encouraging the development of indigenous technology and capacity for CNG vehicle assembly, the program aims to build a sustainable ecosystem that benefits the wider economy.

This initiative fits within Nigeria’s broader energy policy framework, which seeks to diversify energy sources, reduce dependency on imported petroleum products, and mitigate environmental impact. As Nigeria grapples with the dual challenges of economic growth and environmental sustainability, CNG represents a practical alternative fuel that is both domestically abundant and less polluting.

Moreover, the push for CNG adoption aligns with global trends emphasizing cleaner energy and transportation systems. Countries around the world are transitioning to low-emission vehicles as part of their commitments to tackle climate change. Nigeria’s focus on CNG is a pragmatic step, leveraging the country’s natural gas reserves to provide an affordable, cleaner fuel option.

Challenges remain, however, including the need to develop sufficient CNG refueling infrastructure across the country to support a growing fleet of natural gas vehicles. Safety concerns and public awareness about CNG technology will also need to be addressed through education and regulatory oversight.

Nevertheless, the government’s rollout of CNG buses to federal universities demonstrates a clear commitment to overcoming these hurdles. By targeting institutions that serve large populations of students and staff, the initiative promises to create immediate positive impacts on transportation efficiency and environmental quality, while setting the stage for wider adoption of CNG technology across Nigeria’s public and private transport sectors.

In summary, the Federal Government’s introduction of CNG buses to federal universities marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward sustainable transportation and energy use. It reflects a multifaceted approach that combines environmental responsibility, economic empowerment, and improved quality of life for university communities. As the rollout expands, it holds the promise of transforming public transport across Nigeria by making it more affordable, accessible, and cleaner for generations to come.