The Lagos State Government says it is set to roll out 2,000 newly acquired Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks for port and haulage operations before the end of November 2025, in a move aimed at improving safety, reducing emissions, and modernising the state’s logistics ecosystem.

 

 

The initiative — a public-private partnership supported by a N150 billion soft-loan facility from the United Bank for Africa (UBA) — is designed to phase out aging, unsafe trucks that have contributed to road accidents in the state.

 

 

 

Lagos has recorded several incidents involving fallen tankers and articulated vehicles in recent years, prompting calls for stronger safety compliance from agencies such as the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA). The FRSC has repeatedly noted that many trucks in operation are decades old and require replacement to meet modern safety standards.

 

Stakeholders at previous industry engagements had also stressed the need for government-backed access to a new fleet to reduce accidents and improve haulage efficiency.

 

 

 

Speaking in an interview, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation and Logistics, Comrade Hassan Adekoya, highlighted the benefits, implementation plan, and long-term expectations of the CNG truck initiative.

 

Need for the CNG Truck Intervention

 

Adekoya said the programme is timely, noting that the introduction of new trucks would help reduce accidents involving articulated vehicles.

 

He explained that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu facilitated a N50 billion first-phase funding arrangement through UBA to support operators in acquiring safer, more efficient CNG trucks.

 

According to him, many of the trucks currently on Lagos roads are outdated and no longer meet required safety standards. The initial rollout will introduce at least 500 CNG trucks, with a total target of 2,000 units.

 

“The governor has given a marching order for the launch of the trucks, and enforcement will begin soon,” he said.

 

Objectives and Benefits of the Initiative

 

Adekoya stated that CNG-powered trucks offer significant environmental and economic advantages. They produce lower carbon emissions, reduce nitrogen oxides, and minimize harmful particulates when compared to diesel engines.

 

He added that operators would benefit from cost savings because CNG is generally cheaper than diesel, and CNG engines typically require less maintenance due to reduced carbon buildup.

 

Beyond cost and environmental gains, Adekoya said safety remains the top priority. He referenced recent incidents, including one at Kara Bridge, stressing that modern trucks would help reduce accidents and protect both citizens and public infrastructure.

 

“This initiative will drastically reduce instances of containers falling on vehicles or bridges. Safety of lives and infrastructure is the immediate benefit,” he said.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

Adekoya said the initiative has a clear rollout framework targeted primarily at registered truck owners.

 

“We have background information on all truck owners in the state. Beneficiaries will undergo verification, and UBA will assess their banking records. Those without accounts will be required to open one to participate,” he explained.

 

A town hall meeting will soon be held to harmonise processes and address stakeholder concerns. Earlier engagements, he noted, show strong interest from operators.

 

Categories of Beneficiaries

 

The trucks are intended for general cargo operators — including containerized and bulk cargo loaders transporting dry goods such as rice, coal, chemicals, and industrial raw materials. Wet cargo operators are excluded in the first phase.

 

Refuelling Infrastructure

 

Adekoya said the state has developed a master plan for CNG distribution and has identified strategic locations for refuelling outlets. He described the effort as “work in progress.”

 

Safety, Monitoring, and Driver Training

 

The governor has approved a sensitisation programme for 1,000 maritime logistics truck drivers, with plans to train up to 10,000. The state will also conduct eye tests and provide free eyeglasses to drivers who need them.

 

“We are preparing drivers physically and mentally for the transition to modern trucks,” Adekoya said.

 

Supporting Road Infrastructure

 

Adekoya noted that Lagos is investing in improved road infrastructure under the THEMES Plus Agenda, but emphasised the importance of operators complying with load limits and road-worthiness requirements to protect these investments.

 

“Good roads and standard trucks must complement each other. Overloading damages infrastructure, and compliance will be strictly enforced,” he said.

 

Sustainability of the Initiative

 

Adekoya expressed confidence in the long-term sustainability of the programme, saying it is backed by the Ministry of Transportation and guided by a clear blueprint.

 

He assured stakeholders that the initiative aims to support — not abruptly displace — existing operators.

 

“With this initiative, truck owners can look forward to reduced maintenance costs, safer operations, and better returns. The state is saying no to unsafe trucks, no to infrastructure damage, and no to avoidable loss of lives and property,” he said.