*Ahead of Presidential Launch of CNG Refueling and Conversion Facilities on May 29 By Nidala Muhammad Rabiu Ahmadu Bello Univer...
*Ahead of Presidential Launch of CNG Refueling and Conversion Facilities on May 29
By Nidala Muhammad Rabiu
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has taken delivery of 10 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered tricycles under the Special Palliative Relief on University Transportation Project, aimed at cushioning the effects of fuel subsidy removal on campus.
The university is also expected to receive five CNG-powered buses before the end of the week, which will reduce intra- and inter-campus transportation costs by up to 50 percent.
This information was contained in a statement signed and released by the Public Affairs Directorate, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
At a sensitization workshop held at Mamman Kontagora Square, the Project Manager of Femadec Limited, Mr. David Ovoke Obire, explained that university staff would benefit from a 70 percent discount on vehicle conversions to CNG. He said, “Students will also have the opportunity to acquire practical skills that will enhance their employability.” Obire further revealed that the project, known as CNG-SPROUT (Special Palliative Relief on University Transportation), will be formally launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on May 29, 2025.
The sensitization programme was organized by Femadec Limited in collaboration with the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PI-CNG) and the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF). It addressed safety concerns and misconceptions about CNG vehicles.
In his opening remarks, the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Sahalu B. Junaidu, described the project as “one of the strategic palliative measures introduced by the present civilian administration to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.” He added that the initiative would enable staff to convert their vehicles at highly subsidized rates and provide students with training in vehicle conversion techniques to create employment opportunities.
Student leaders also praised the programme. Ibrahim Kalla Nazeer, President of the Students Representatives Council (SRC), “thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the forward-thinking project and assured the University’s full support,” according to the statement. Kusogi Abdullahi, President of the Postgraduate Representatives Council (PRC), also expressed satisfaction and pledged to support the initiative’s success.
In her closing remarks, Dr. S.M. Makarfi, Director of the Counselling and Human Development Centre, expressed gratitude to PI-CNG, MDGIF, and the Federal Government for selecting ABU as one of 20 universities nationwide to benefit from the programme.
The sensitization event concluded with a roadshow that toured the campus, generating further excitement for the CNG initiative.
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