FG Launches Free CNG Buses in Kano Varsities to Ease Transport Cost

The federal government of Nigeria has introduced free Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) bus services for students at Bayero University Kano (BUK) as part of its clean and affordable mobility program, Project SPROUT. This initiative aims to address the rising transportation costs faced by tertiary institutions in the country. Project SPROUT, a collaboration between the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV), FEMADEC Energy, and MD GIF, is being implemented in phases to introduce affordable transportation solutions at universities.

Louisa Afu, representing the Executive Chairman of Pi-CNG & EV, stated that the project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's mandate to transition Nigeria to clean energy following the removal of fuel subsidies. The program focuses on establishing CNG refuelling stations, vehicle conversion centres, and the deployment of buses and tricycles across universities in the country.

Afu emphasized that transportation is a significant aspect of students' and staff's daily lives, and the high cost of transportation affects everyone, hence the need for this intervention.

Afu explained that the awareness campaign is intended to educate students about CNG and its importance in Nigeria's shift towards cleaner mobility. Engr. Ovoke Obire, the Project Coordinator of MDGIF-PiCNG projects, highlighted that their role involves supervising the construction of CNG stations and conversion centres nationwide, as well as liaising with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to secure necessary licensing for each facility.

Additionally, they conduct CNG awareness sessions for students and lecturers to inform them about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's initiative.