20 federal tertiary institutions to get CNG conversion centres

Twenty federal tertiary institutions in Nigeria are set to receive Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion centres and refuel stations as part of a government initiative to promote clean and affordable energy.

The project is driven by the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) in collaboration with Femadec Energy.

Tunji Alausa, the minister of education, met with vice-chancellors and key stakeholders on Monday to finalise implementation plans.

Also present at the meeting were representatives from the MDGIF and the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI).

Alausa said the project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s push for sustainable energy solutions.

The minister described the initiative as a crucial step towards reducing transportation costs for students and lecturers while advancing clean energy integration in universities.

He said the programme seeks to utilise Nigeria’s vast natural gas resources to ease transport expenses and lower carbon emissions.

Alausa said six institutions are expected to have fully operational CNG facilities by May 29, 2025.

A spokesperson for Femadec Energy said the partnership underscored the company’s commitment to providing sustainable and cost-effective transportation alternatives.

In recent years, Nigeria has significantly expanded its CNG infrastructure to promote cleaner and more affordable energy alternatives.

The number of CNG conversion centres has grown from seven in 2023 to over 170 by December 2024, with plans to reach 500 by 2025.