The Federal Government has renewed its push for increased investment in gas infrastructure, with the commissioning of a compressed natural gas (CNG) refuelling facility at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, as part of efforts to expand nationwide access to cleaner transport fuels.

The project was delivered by the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF), which said the facility shows its mandate to catalyse private sector participation across Nigeria’s gas value chain and deepen domestic gas utilisation.

Speaking at the commissioning, MDGIF Executive Director, Oluwole Adama, described the initiative as a practical demonstration of Nigeria’s gas-based energy transition strategy. He said the fund was established to mobilise investments in midstream and downstream gas infrastructure through equity partnerships with private investors.

According to him, MDGIF’s mandate is to unlock gas value chains, improve access to gas, enhance environmental sustainability and deliver socio-economic benefits.

He noted that the OAU project forms part of a broader programme under which the fund is supporting 20 CNG refuelling infrastructure projects across 20 federal universities nationwide in partnership with FEMADEC Energy Limited.

The Vice-Chancellor of OAU, Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire, said the facility would serve both the institution and the surrounding community.

He added that it would open up research and practical learning opportunities in alternative fuels, while strengthening town-and-gown relations and promoting sustainable transport solutions.

The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FEMADEC Group, Akinnola Fola, said the company remains committed to deploying safe, efficient and scalable CNG infrastructure across the country through public-private collaboration.

The OAU facility is designed to reduce transport costs and cut vehicle emissions within the campus. It will provide CNG buses and vehicle conversion services for students, staff and members of the neighbouring community, while supporting research into gas-powered mobility solutions.

In further support of clean transport, the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, donated 50 CNG-powered buses to the institution. PiCNG also gave 10 CNG-powered tricycles to enhance affordable mobility and encourage wider adoption of cleaner fuel alternatives.