CNG Buses Hit Campuses as Tinubu Delivers Transport Relief

By Patrick Idowu

The Federal Government has flagged off the deployment of Compressed Natural Gas powered buses to Nigerian universities, beginning with the University of Abuja, as part of a wider push to reduce transportation costs and promote clean energy on campuses.

Under the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, the first phase of the programme, tagged Project CNG Sprout, is being rolled out to 20 federal universities nationwide.
Commissioning the project on Thursday, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, hailed the initiative as a timely response to Nigeria’s economic and energy challenges.
“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,” he declared.
Ekpo explained that the initiative provides immediate transport relief to students while aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to cleaner, more affordable energy and reform of the transport sector.
“As we navigate energy reforms and shift towards cleaner fuels, cushioning the impact on vulnerable populations, particularly students, remains a key national priority,” he stated.
Executed through the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund in collaboration with FEMADEC Energy Limited, the project marks the beginning of a broader plan to overhaul Nigeria’s transport system using gas solutions.
In 2024, the government disbursed N122 billion to six indigenous companies to boost gas infrastructure development.
Ekpo hinted at more incentives coming soon, including expanded refuelling stations and support for local CNG vehicle assembly.
“This is not just a transport solution, it is a jobs and industrialisation pathway,” he said.
Managing Director of the MDGIF, Oluwole Adama, praised the initiative, describing it as a bold step that would not have been possible without what he called “clear executive steer” from the President through policies like Executive Order 40.
“We must congratulate FEMADEC for delivering under pressure and against tight timelines,” Adama added.
PiCNG Chief Executive Officer, Michael Oluwagbemi, affirmed that the project reflects the fulfilment of President Tinubu’s post inauguration promise to introduce CNG buses in 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 said.