NewStats: 3,262,265 , 8,176,667 topics. Date: Sunday, 01 June 2025 at 04:34 PM 522233

The Federal Government on Thursday flagged off the deployment of Compressed Natural Gas-powered buses to Nigerian universities.

The government began with the University of Abuja as part of efforts to cushion high transportation costs and promote cleaner energy use on campuses.

The project, tagged ‘CNG-Sprout’, is the first phase of the ‘Project CNG Special Palliative Relief for Universities Transportation’ and is expected to be replicated across 20 federal universities nationwide.

Commissioning the buses on Thursday, the 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,” the minister prayed.

He explained that the initiative was designed to provide immediate palliative relief to students while also aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s broader commitment to energy affordability, environmental responsibility, 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 said.

The project is being implemented through the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund in partnership with FEMADEC Energy Limited, which was commended for completing the first phase of deployment on schedule.

Recall that in 2024, the government disbursed N122 billion to six indigenous companies through the MDGIF to improve Nigeria’s gas infrastructure and promote the use of gas in various sectors.
The minister added that the rollout of CNG buses is only the beginning of a wider plan to revolutionise Nigeria’s public transportation system.

“In the coming months, we will be unveiling further incentives for CNG vehicle conversion, expanding refuelling infrastructure, and ing local assembly and innovation in the CNG value chain. This is not just a transport solution. It is a jobs and industrialisation pathway,” he said.

The MDGIF Managing Director, Oluwole Adama, in his address, applauded the President for providing what he called a clear “executive steer” through initiatives such as Executive Order 40 and the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas.

He noted that the rollout of CNG refuelling infrastructure in 20 universities is no small feat, given the time constraints and resource demands.

“As we unveil the first four facilities, here in Abuja, we must congratulate FEMADEC for delivering under pressure and against tight timelines,” Adama said.

He assured that the MDGIF would continue to invest prudently in projects that increase domestic natural gas consumption and encourage economic growth through strategic infrastructure development.

On his part, the PiCNG Chief Executive Officer, Michael Oluwagbemi, said the launch signified the fulfilment of President Tinubu’s post-inauguration pledge 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 said.

He added that the government is building not only a cleaner transport alternative but also an ecosystem that s innovation and creates economic opportunity.

The Minister of Education, Maruf Olatunji Alausa, who coordinated the participation of vice chancellors across the 20 selected universities, was commended for ensuring the project is tied to institutional performance indicators.

“This is the first of 20 of our federal institutions that will get this. But let me tell you, look into the future, 24 months from now, literally, and I mean literally, all our tertiary institutions in the country, universities and colleges of education alike, will have each of these amenities on campus.”

The CNG-Sprout buses are expected to significantly reduce transportation costs for students while reducing Nigeria’s carbon footprint, in line with global climate goals.

https://punchng.com/fg-rolls-out-cng-buses-in-20-federal-varsities/

Good

Slow and steady

Hmph! Finally!! After years of promising and planning.

Eastern governors please step up the game and roll out solar-powered infrastructure and solar-powered electricity that will charge electric buses in the east, let's show Nigeria that we are light years ahead of them , with or without Biafra we will still outpace them without glitches.


Roll out solar-powered infrastructure now. Deploy EV charging grids and solar electricity systems across our cities. Let electric buses glide through our streets while the rest of the country gasps under fuel scarcity and economic myopia.

Let Nigeria watch in disbelief as we build an energy revolution from the ground up—with or without Biafra. We’re not waiting for secession to excel. We will overtake them on every front—tech, innovation, sustainability—without permission, without apology, without delay.

I am not—and will never be—a fan of "sit-at-home." It is retrogressive. It is intellectually bankrupt. It’s a leash disguised as resistance.

Our rebellion must be brilliance. Let us weaponize knowledge. Build research hubs. Establish production centres exporting to the world. Fund startups that don’t just compete with Silicon Valley—they humiliate it.

If we must disrupt, let it be with innovation, not idleness.

helinues:
Good

Slow and steady

For old age? Joker

i counted jus 5 where are the remaining 15

helinues:
Good

Slow and steady

You can't be slow when your economic indices are speeding in reverse. If truly APC is blaming past istrations for the current situation of Nigeria, why is it moving slow in rectifying issues? It's like knowing the engine of your car is developing serious issues, but instead of fixing it you are painting your rims

Person asking for CNG Buses yesterday will look away today because he is sadist

Good development

FG keep making the same mistake years after years..

Which varsity HV so many students vat a time going to same direction... Why always this long useless buses.. what happens to shuttle type of shut buses.. it's campus for crying out loud... Who uses this over size inside campus...

Abeg we never serious for this country... Abi all this ministers no go naija skls..?

something you ought to do before removing subsidy.. putting the cart before the horse and shopping endorsement and who to blame

Now after damaging Nigeria you are runnig helter skelter

Lagos economist

20 universities wey no get name. Scam government!

This is what ought to be done. Sit at home is just a foolish idea.

kettykin:
Eastern governors please step up the game and roll out solar-powered infrastructure and solar-powered electricity that will charge electric buses in the east, let's show Nigeria that we are light years ahead of them , with or without Biafra we will still outpace them without glitches.


Roll out solar-powered infrastructure now. Deploy EV charging grids and solar electricity systems across our cities. Let electric buses glide through our streets while the rest of the country gasps under fuel scarcity and economic myopia.

Let Nigeria watch in disbelief as we build an energy revolution from the ground up—with or without Biafra. We’re not waiting for secession to excel. We will overtake them on every front—tech, innovation, sustainability—without permission, without apology, without delay.

I am not—and will never be—a fan of "sit-at-home." It is retrogressive. It is intellectually bankrupt. It’s a leash disguised as resistance.

Our rebellion must be brilliance. Let us weaponize knowledge. Build research hubs. Establish production centres exporting to the world. Fund startups that don’t just compete with Silicon Valley—they humiliate it.

If we must disrupt, let it be with innovation, not idleness.

TimeManager:


https://punchng.com/fg-rolls-out-cng-buses-in-20-federal-varsities/

The person promoting and commissioning CNG buses does not use CNG powered vehicles... what an irony.

ivandragon:
The person promoting and commissioning CNG buses does not use CNG powered vehicles... what an irony.

None of the president motorcade is powered by CNG

omoredia:



For old age? Joker

Thomas, this is not the negative story you are expecting

The world is going electric ..these ones still de do CGN

Nigerians never appreciate they will still complain.

Rolled out or to be rolled out?

Welcome development..

kettykin:
Eastern governors please step up the game and roll out solar-powered infrastructure and solar-powered electricity that will charge electric buses in the east, let's show Nigeria that we are light years ahead of them , with or without Biafra we will still outpace them without glitches.


Roll out solar-powered infrastructure now. Deploy EV charging grids and solar electricity systems across our cities. Let electric buses glide through our streets while the rest of the country gasps under fuel scarcity and economic myopia.

Let Nigeria watch in disbelief as we build an energy revolution from the ground up—with or without Biafra. We’re not waiting for secession to excel. We will overtake them on every front—tech, innovation, sustainability—without permission, without apology, without delay.

I am not—and will never be—a fan of "sit-at-home." It is retrogressive. It is intellectually bankrupt. It’s a leash disguised as resistance.

Our rebellion must be brilliance. Let us weaponize knowledge. Build research hubs. Establish production centres exporting to the world. Fund startups that don’t just compete with Silicon Valley—they humiliate it.

If we must disrupt, let it be with innovation, not idleness.

It has been long you visited east

kettykin:
Eastern governors please step up the game and roll out solar-powered infrastructure and solar-powered electricity that will charge electric buses in the east, let's show Nigeria that we are light years ahead of them , with or without Biafra we will still outpace them without glitches.


Roll out solar-powered infrastructure now. Deploy EV charging grids and solar electricity systems across our cities. Let electric buses glide through our streets while the rest of the country gasps under fuel scarcity and economic myopia.

Let Nigeria watch in disbelief as we build an energy revolution from the ground up—with or without Biafra. We’re not waiting for secession to excel. We will overtake them on every front—tech, innovation, sustainability—without permission, without apology, without delay.

I am not—and will never be—a fan of "sit-at-home." It is retrogressive. It is intellectually bankrupt. It’s a leash disguised as resistance.

Our rebellion must be brilliance. Let us weaponize knowledge. Build research hubs. Establish production centres exporting to the world. Fund startups that don’t just compete with Silicon Valley—they humiliate it.

If we must disrupt, let it be with innovation, not idleness.

With una fraudulent mentality or money must be made anyhow business una dey run. Just dey play

I just hope Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ebonyi state is among the listed 20 universities... I hail my super president

No names of institutions for verification.

All these sudden good news on eve of second year to deceive gullible Nigerians.

Two years after the removal of subsidy on PMS, CNG infrastructure is still at the embryonic stage. Aside few states with limited supply, more than 30 states still don't have a refilling station.

This a natural resource found within Nigeria, imagine if we had to import it.

Tinubu really hit the ground running indeed.

Balenciagabrain:
20 universities wey no get name. Scam government!

Yes ooo!!! Federal university that does not have names. Propaganda has ruined and riddled this APC government.
Always hiding in the dark.

okeke6969:




Yes ooo!!! Federal university that does not have names. Propaganda has ruined and riddled this APC government.
Always hiding in the dark.

APC is a dark party

So why can't the universities become CNG conversion centres with mandate for the universities to expand the services to within 20km radius of their host communities.

The government is as clueless as the yeye president. Nonsense and ingredients!

helinues:
Good

Slow and steady

is tinubu using CNG powered vehicles?