Lagos Unveils CNG Plan, Targets Safer Roads with 2,000 Trucks

The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to modernise freight movement and reduce accidents on major corridors, as stakeholders gathered on Wednesday for a closed-door briefing on the rollout of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s 2,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Truck Initiative.

The session, held at the Ministry of Transportation Conference Room in Alausa, brought together senior government officials and executives of the Nigeria Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), who described the initiative as a decisive step toward safer logistics operations within the state’s maritime and haulage sector.

Speaking at the briefing, Hon. Sola Giwa, Senior Special Assistant to the Commissioner for Transportation, said the governor recognised the urgent need to improve safety on Lagos roads, citing the recurring incidents of container crashes, vehicle breakdowns and damage to public infrastructure.

He explained that the state had approved a ₦150 billion intervention, to be implemented in phases beginning with an initial ₦50 billion commitment as part of efforts to replace aging trucks with cleaner, more reliable CNG powered vehicles.

“This initiative will take rickety trucks off our roads, reduce accidents and improve the movement of goods across the state,” Giwa said, noting that the programme was being implemented in partnership with the United Bank for Africa (UBA).

Hon. Hassan Adekoya, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation Logistics, added that the government had also approved mandatory driver safety assessments, including drug and substance tests, as well as periodic eye examinations for truck operators.

He said drivers diagnosed with eye conditions would receive corrective eyewear at no cost.

NARTO leaders at the event expressed optimism that the programme would strengthen transport operations and contribute to Lagos’s vision of becoming a safer, more efficient logistics hub.

The National President of NARTO, Alhaji Yusuf Lawal Othman, commended both the governor and the Federal Government for policies promoting cleaner energy and improved transport infrastructure.

He also referenced ongoing training programmes for operators expected to handle the new CNG fleet.

The Chairman of NARTO Lagos State Chapter, Alhaji Kayode Odunowo, described the initiative as a welcome development that would enhance safety and professional standards among haulage operators in the state.

Also speaking, the South-West Zonal Chairman of NARTO, Alhaji Kola Ogunyemi, applauded the governor’s commitment to modernising the sector and urged members to support the transition.

The briefing was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Olawale Musa, and other senior officials.