The Lagos State Government, in partnership with Portland Gas Ltd, has embarked on a transformative journey towards sustainable transportation by launching a Mobile Refill Unit under the Presidential CNG Initiative. This initiative signifies a pivotal moment in the state’s commitment to mitigating carbon emissions and fostering a cleaner environment for its citizens. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Abimbola Akinajo, Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), underscored the alignment of this initiative with the state’s overarching agenda of enhancing air quality and promoting a healthier, safer, and more environmentally conscious Lagos. The governor emphasized that the success of the CNG transition in Lagos would serve as a blueprint for nationwide adoption, solidifying Lagos’s role as a pioneer in sustainable urban mobility.
The ambitious goal set by the Lagos State Government is to convert 10% of the state’s vehicle fleet, approximately 400,000 vehicles, to CNG within the next three years. This ambitious target underscores the government’s commitment to a significant and rapid transition towards cleaner fuels. In addition, the government plans to convert 2,000 government-owned vehicles, encompassing first and last-mile buses, security vehicles, and service transport, to CNG by the second quarter of 2025. This phased approach will allow the government to refine its strategy and address any challenges that may arise during the initial stages of implementation. This comprehensive approach addresses the significant contribution of over four million vehicles to fuel consumption and emissions within Lagos, demonstrating the government’s proactive stance in tackling air pollution and its associated health risks.
To facilitate this large-scale transition, the Lagos State Government has committed to establishing a robust CNG refueling infrastructure. The plan includes setting up four CNG refueling stations by mid-2025, with a further expansion to 15 stations by the end of the same year. This infrastructural development is crucial for encouraging wider adoption of CNG by private vehicle owners and transport operators. The strategic expansion of refueling infrastructure is also designed to stimulate private sector participation in the CNG sector, fostering a collaborative approach to achieving the state’s clean energy goals. By creating an enabling environment for private sector investment, the government aims to accelerate the transition and ensure its long-term sustainability.
The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has already taken the lead by piloting CNG adoption within its own fleet, paving the way for a larger-scale rollout across the public transportation system. This successful pilot program demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of CNG as a viable alternative fuel source. Building upon this initial success, LAMATA plans to introduce at least 2,000 CNG buses, with deployment commencing in the second quarter of 2025. This initiative will significantly reduce emissions from public transport, further contributing to the state’s overall air quality improvement objectives. Governor Sanwo-Olu reiterated the unwavering commitment of his administration to cleaner transportation, emphasizing the multifaceted benefits of the CNG transition, including reduced carbon footprint, lower transportation costs, and enhanced economic growth.
The governor extended a call to action to various stakeholders, including government agencies, investors, transport operators, and private sector players, urging them to collaborate and contribute to making Lagos a national model for sustainable urban mobility. This collaborative approach is essential for ensuring the widespread adoption and success of the CNG initiative. The initiative has garnered support from key players in the energy sector, including the Presidential CNG Initiative and Portland Gas Ltd, whose commitment to the energy transition was applauded by Governor Sanwo-Olu as a strategic step towards a more sustainable and prosperous Lagos. This public-private partnership model is crucial for driving innovation and ensuring the efficient implementation of the CNG initiative.
Michael Oluwagbemi, Programme Director of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, echoed the national commitment to transitioning to cleaner and more affordable transportation fuel. He underscored the importance of collaboration between government agencies and private sector entities to drive CNG adoption across the country. Oluwagbemi emphasized the imperative of leveraging Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources to reduce transportation costs and promote a cleaner environment. He also highlighted the various government incentives, such as VAT waivers and gas pricing support, designed to attract private sector investment in the CNG sector. Folajimi Mohammed, CEO of Portland Gas, emphasized the project’s forward-looking vision and the company’s commitment to expanding CNG infrastructure by tapping into the Accela Pipeline. He stressed the importance of price uniformity to enhance the affordability of gas and commended the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) for its role in regulating conversion centers, ensuring safety and credibility within the industry.
