By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF), a directorate of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), has commissioned an integrated Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refuelling facility at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, in a move aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s gas-based energy transition and expanding domestic gas utilisation.
The project marks another milestone in MDGIF’s mandate to catalyse investments across Nigeria’s gas value chain and promote cleaner, more affordable energy solutions.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Executive Director of MDGIF, Mr. Oluwole Adama, described the facility as a practical demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to a gas-driven transition pathway. He disclosed that the OAU station is one of 20 CNG refuelling projects being deployed across federal universities nationwide to promote cleaner mobility, improve access to gas infrastructure, and deliver measurable socio-economic benefits.
Adama said the initiative aligns with broader national efforts to deepen gas utilisation, reduce dependence on conventional fuels, and lower transportation costs within academic communities.
This was contained in a statement released Monday (today) on the X handle of the NMDPRA @NMDPRA_Official.
Also, the Vice Chancellor of OAU, Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire, commended the initiative, noting that the facility is designed to serve both the university and its host community. He stated that beyond providing cleaner fuel alternatives, the project will open up research opportunities, enhance practical learning, and stimulate innovation in alternative energy solutions.
According to him, the CNG station will also strengthen town-and-gown relations, promote sustainable transportation, and create shared economic value for the surrounding community.
The project is part of a broader collaboration involving MDGIF, FEMADEC Energy, and the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGi) to build integrated CNG ecosystems across 20 federal universities. The initiative is targeted at reducing transport costs and curbing pollution on campuses nationwide.
Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FEMADEC Group, Engr. Akinnola Fola, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering safe, efficient, and scalable CNG infrastructure across Nigeria through strong public-private sector collaboration.
FEMADEC Energy Limited serves as the technical partner on the project and is actively involved in gas infrastructure development, vehicle conversion services, and gas-powered transport solutions.
In further support of clean transportation within the institution, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, donated 50 CNG-powered buses to enhance affordable mobility for students and staff. Additionally, PiCNG contributed 10 CNG-powered tricycles to support intra-campus transportation.
Precise Post recalls that the commissioning of the OAU facility signals growing momentum behind Nigeria’s CNG adoption drive, positioning universities as hubs for innovation, sustainability, and cost-effective transportation solutions.
