FAVOUR ISHEMBER, Abuja
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has commissioned “Project CNG-Sprout,” an initiative aimed at providing special palliative relief to university students through compressed natural gas-powered buses.
The project is a collaboration between FEMADEC Energy and the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF).
In his remark, the Minister described the initiative as a bold and thoughtful response to the needs of the student community, who are among the most vulnerable populations affected by energy reform and economic adjustment.
He commended FEMADEC Energy for their vision, commitment, and leadership in bringing the project to life, highlighting their partnership with the MDGIF as a model for public-private sector collaboration.
Dr. Ekpo praised the MDGIF for their strategic role in the initiative, providing catalytic funding and support to infrastructure projects that directly benefit the Nigerian people.
He noted that the project demonstrates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to energy affordability, security, and environmental responsibility.
The Minister explained that “Project CNG-Sprout” aims to introduce university students to a new era of affordable, safe, and environmentally friendly public transport powered by Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources. He emphasized that the project is not just a transport solution but also a jobs and industrialization pathway.
The Minister announced plans to expand initiatives like “Project CNG-Sprout” to other public institutions and commercial sectors, unveiling further incentives for CNG vehicle conversion, expanding refueling infrastructure, and supporting local assembly and innovation in the CNG value chain.
He officially commissioned the “Project CNG-Sprout” buses for deployment to university campuses across the country, expressing hope that they would serve as vehicles not just of transport but also of hope, relief, and national progress.
The Minister commended the collaborative efforts of the Presidential CNG Initiative, the Federal Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Transportation, university administrators, and private sector partners who have worked tirelessly to make the project a reality.
He emphasized the importance of listening to the voices, challenges, and aspirations of the students, who are the heartbeat of the initiative.
The Minister called for a nationwide rollout of the project, ensuring that CNG becomes the heartbeat of a new, clean, and people-focused transport economy. He expressed optimism that the project would have a tangible impact on the lives of everyday Nigerians, particularly university students.
On his part, the Executive Director, Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund, Mr. Oluwole Adama, attributed the success of the project to the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of the Federal Government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He thanked the President for constituting and inaugurating the MDGIF Governing Council, which has provided executive steer and support to the initiative.
Mr. Adama expressed gratitude to the National Assembly for appropriating funds to the MDGIF, which has been pivotal to the success of the project. He also thanked the Honourable Minister of State Petroleum Resources – Gas, Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, for his policy support and leadership as Chairman of the MDGIF Governing Council.
Mr. Adama stated that the MDGIF will continue to prudently invest in economically valuable and viable projects that seek to increase the domestic consumption of natural gas in Nigeria, encourage investment in other midstream and downstream gas infrastructure, and monetize flare gas.
He emphasized the importance of clear and consistent procedures for investment deal origination and project development.
The MDGIF Executive Director announced that the fund will proceed to commission the first MDGIF/FEMADEC Integrated CNG Refueling Station located at the University of Abuja, further solidifying the partnership between the two organizations.
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