Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — 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, in a move aimed at accelerating domestic gas utilisation and cleaner transportation across tertiary institutions.
The project is part of a broader collaboration involving MDGIF, Femadec Energy Limited and the Presidential CNG Initiative, PCNGi, to deploy integrated CNG ecosystems across 20 federal universities nationwide.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, MDGIF Executive Director, Oluwole Adama, described the facility as a tangible expression of Nigeria’s gas-based energy transition strategy.
“The OAU facility is one of 20 CNG refuelling projects being deployed across federal universities to promote cleaner mobility, expand access to gas infrastructure and deliver measurable socio-economic benefits,” Adama said.
He noted that the initiative aligns with MDGIF’s mandate to catalyse investment across Nigeria’s gas value chain while supporting affordable and environmentally sustainable transport solutions.
The Vice Chancellor of OAU, Adebayo Simeon Bamire, commended the initiative, describing it as a transformative addition to the university’s infrastructure.
“The project, designed to serve both the University and the surrounding community, will foster research opportunities, practical learning and innovation in alternative fuels,” Bamire said.
He added that the facility would strengthen town-and-gown relations, promote sustainable transportation and create shared economic value for the host community.
Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Femadec Energy, Akinnola Fola, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering safe, efficient and scalable CNG infrastructure nationwide.
“We remain committed to strong public and private sector collaboration to ensure reliable gas-powered transport solutions across Nigeria,” he said.
The OAU station will provide CNG buses and vehicle conversion services for students, staff and residents in neighbouring communities.
Beyond reducing transportation costs, the facility is expected to cut emissions and serve as a live laboratory for research and innovation in gas-powered mobility.
With 19 additional university projects underway, the initiative signals a deliberate push to embed gas infrastructure within institutional ecosystems, positioning campuses as anchors for broader urban clean energy adoption.
