NIGERIA: Project CNG SPROUT Commences With Buses Distributed To Universities

By Lisa Chankat

Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja has received CNG refuelling infrastructure, CNG powered buses, and tricycles to cut down the high cost of transportation on staff and students brought about by the removal of fuel subsidy.

Launched under the CNG-Special Palliative Relief on University Transportation codenamed, “Project CNG-Sprout”, the initiative is to be replicated across twenty other universities nationwide.

During the launch of the project, the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Gas, Ekperikpe Ekpo said, “Project CNG-Sprout” introduces university students to a new era of affordable, safe, and environmentally friendly public transport, powered by Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources.

He said: “Through the Presidential CNG Initiative, we are not only mitigating the impact of recent subsidy reforms but also laying the foundation for a modern, gas-driven transport economy.”

The Vice Chancellor of the uiniversity, Professor Patricia Lar, noted that the institution had received 18 CNG powered buses alongside tricycles with the refuelling station.

She appreciated President Bola Tinubu for providing a solution to the challenges faced by students.

“The issue of transportation was very hot on the agenda, from the voices of our students when I was interacting with them. My joy is that this initiative is going to be implemented in other Nigerian universities,” she noted.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the company executing “Project CNG-SPROUT”, Mr Fola Akinola disclosed that the initiative would be commissioned in five other universities in the month of June, which includes University of Uyo.

He said: “We are having a full integrated unit of CNG on campus. In addition to that, we are going to introduce gas curriculum to the students, so that the final year students, when they exit this campus, they can start on their own, whether to work on CNG, do conversion etc.”

However, Director and Chief Executive of the Initiative, Mr Michael Oluwagbemi further stated that with the conversion kits and technical facilitators, the seeds of capacity-building was being planted through hands-on training, explaining that students will not just ride in CNG vehicles but will learn how to convert and maintain them.

According to him, this is a critical step toward building a green-skilled workforce for Nigeria’s energy transition.