The Federal Government has introduced Project SPROUT (Special Palliative Relief of University Transportation) to provide cleaner and more affordable transit options within Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. The initiative, launched in Abuja on May 29, 2025, is led by the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI).
Project SPROUT involves the deployment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses and tricycles across university campuses, aiming to serve both students and staff. It is part of a broader strategy to transition to clean energy and reduce transportation costs following the removal of fuel subsidies in 2023.
According to the PCNGI, the project is designed to modernize campus mobility, support youth empowerment, and promote technical innovation in the transportation and energy sectors. The introduction of CNG-powered vehicles is expected to enhance campus commuting, lower expenses, and reduce environmental impact.
PCNGI had earlier converted 800 taxis to CNG at Abuja Airport in October 2024 and partnered with transport unions in November 2024 to roll out hybrid buses on major routes with subsidized fares. These efforts laid the foundation for expanding into the education sector.
Selected universities will now receive fleets of fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly vehicles to support daily campus transport. The initiative aligns with national climate goals and economic relief objectives, with the government also establishing CNG conversion centers across regions to aid broader adoption.
Challenges such as limited refueling infrastructure, high conversion costs, and policy implementation gaps—particularly in Abuja—highlight the need for continued investment, private sector collaboration, and infrastructure development. With over \$450 million committed since 2023, the project is seen as a vital step in integrating low-carbon mobility into Nigeria’s education system while offering a model for broader public sector transformation.
Source : https://msmeafricaonline.com/
