FG pledges to expand gas stations to all varsities, beyond

From Okwe Obi, Abuja

The Federal Government has promised to expand the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) system to all universities to ease the cost of transportation.

This was stated by the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, yesterday at the General Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, during the commissioning of the “Project CNG-Sprout” buses for special palliative relief on university transportation.

According to Ekpo, the government would also ensure that other public institutions and commercial sectors benefit from the initiative.

The minister told the students that they remain the heartbeat of the initiative, adding that they would continue to work to ensure that affordable transport, clean energy, and opportunities for innovation are never out of reach.

“Today’s event also reaffirms the central role of gas in Nigeria’s energy transition journey. As we continue to deepen the Decade of Gas agenda, we will expand initiatives like this, not just to university campuses, but across other public institutions and commercial sectors,” he said.

Also, he commended FEMADEC Energy for the vision and commitment in bringing this project to life.

“FEMADEC has shown that Nigerian companies have the capacity and drive to be at the forefront of energy innovation.

“Their partnership with the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) underlines what is possible when the private and public sectors work hand in hand for national development,” he added.

Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, tasked university authorities to take care of the facilities, with the assurance that the Federal Government would continue to do more, especially in the area of clean energy.

Also, Executive Director of Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund, Oluwole Adama, said: “To achieve these, the MDGIF will continue to implement clear and consistent procedures for investment deal origination and project ventures with the highest potential for economic returns and value will proceed to commission the first MDGIF/FEMADEC Integrated CNG development; ensure a coordinated approach to investment planning, transaction advisory services; and prioritise investments in creation.”

Also, Programme Director and Chief Executive, Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI), Michael Oluwagbemi, explained that through the strategic partnership between the Presidential CNG Initiative, the MDGIF, the Federal Ministries of Petroleum (Gas) and Education, “we are delivering more than just buses.”

“We are delivering hope, innovation, and a future-forward solution to the mobility and energy challenges facing our academic communities in line with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

He added: “If you recall, in his first address after Wednesday, May 29, 2023, the President indeed promised to deploy CNG buses and particularly on our campuses. We are here fulfilling that promise after doing the needful to build awareness and an ecosystem for CNG in Nigeria.”