The Federal Government of Nigeria plans to establish Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion centres and refuelling stations in 20 federal universities across Nigeria.
This initiative, driven by the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) in partnership with Femadec Energy, aims to promote clean energy and reduce transportation costs for students and lecturers.
Project Implementation and Timeline
According to an official statement from the Nigerian Presidency, six of the selected universities will have fully operational CNG stations by May 29, 2025. The project is being coordinated with the Ministry of Education, Vice-Chancellors, and energy sector partners to ensure smooth implementation.
Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa, highlighted the project’s importance, stating that it will not only lower transport costs but also introduce clean energy solutions in schools.
Why This Matters
The push for CNG adoption gained momentum after the federal government removed fuel subsidies in 2023, causing petrol prices to surge. Since then, the government has invested over $75 million in CNG infrastructure to encourage cleaner energy use.
Recent reports from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) also show that Nigeria’s CNG conversion capacity increased by 2,500% in 2024, with 186 new conversion centres established.
This project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for affordable and sustainable energy, positioning CNG as a key alternative fuel in Nigeria’s transportation sector.