Lagos State has taken a major step to modernise its transport and logistics sector with the launch of a N150 billion programme to introduce 2,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks for port and haulage operations.
The event, held at the Lagos Television grounds in Ikeja, brought together stakeholders from the transport and maritime sectors, including officials from the Nigeria Railway Corporation, FRSC, LASTMA, NDLEA, and representatives of the Nigeria Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO).
The initiative, led by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation and Logistics, Comrade Hassan Adekoya, is backed by a soft-loan facility from United Bank for Africa. The programme is designed to phase out ageing, unsafe trucks that contribute to accidents and pollution, with the first N50 billion committed to replacing old vehicles with cleaner, CNG-powered trucks.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Special Adviser on Transportation Sola Giwa said the state was determined to address the dangers posed by ageing trucks with faulty brakes, weak frames, and worn-out tyres. “A city aiming to be a global logistics hub cannot rely on outdated and unsafe vehicles,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu’s administration will support truck owners with affordable financing options and expand public-private collaboration in the maritime and logistics sector. Plans are also underway to strengthen digital infrastructure along the Lekki Corridor to improve transparency, reduce costs, and ensure smooth flow of goods.
Transportation Commissioner Oluwaseun Osiyemi described the programme as a shared commitment to building a safer, cleaner, and more efficient logistics system. Comrade Adekoya added that mandatory driver safety checks, including periodic eye tests and free corrective eyewear where needed, would form part of the programme.
Stakeholders welcomed the initiative, highlighting its potential to improve safety on Lagos roads, support environmental goals, and strengthen the state’s economy.
