The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled plans to set up Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion centers and refuelling stations in 20 federal tertiary institutions across the country. The initiative, spearheaded by the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) in collaboration with Femadec Energy, aims to promote clean energy adoption and alleviate transportation costs for students and lecturers.
Announced via the official X account (formerly Twitter) of the Presidency on Monday, the project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to affordable, sustainable energy solutions. It represents a significant step toward integrating clean energy into Nigeria’s educational system.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa, recently met with Vice-Chancellors and representatives from MDGIF, Femadec Energy, and the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) to finalize project details. According to the statement, six institutions are expected to have fully operational CNG facilities by May 29, 2025.
Dr. Alausa emphasized the importance of the initiative, noting its dual benefits of reducing transportation costs for students and lecturers while advancing clean energy integration within academic environments. “This initiative not only aims to lower transportation costs for our students and lecturers but also represents a pivotal step towards integrating clean energy solutions within our educational institutions,” he said.
A representative from Femadec Energy highlighted the project’s focus on sustainability, stating that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to promoting cleaner energy solutions. This push for CNG adoption gained momentum following the removal of fuel subsidies in 2023, which led to a sharp rise in petroleum prices and transportation costs.
To support this transition, the Federal Government has invested over $75 million in developing CNG infrastructure nationwide. This investment aligns with broader efforts to cut carbon emissions and advance sustainable energy practices.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) disclosed earlier this year that Nigeria’s CNG conversion capacity increased significantly in 2024, with 186 new conversion centers established. This marks a 2,500% growth in capacity compared to previous years.
The establishment of CNG facilities in tertiary institutions is expected to ease financial burdens on students and staff while contributing to Nigeria’s environmental goals. It highlights the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability within critical sectors like education and energy.
