Sanwo-Olu advocates CNG adoption, unveils mobile refill unit

The Lagos State Government has taken a bold step towards cleaner energy adoption with the launch of a Mobile Refill Unit under the Presidential CNG Initiative, in partnership with Portland Gas Ltd.

The initiative marks a major milestone in the state’s commitment to sustainable transportation and reducing carbon emissions.

Speaking at the launch event on Friday, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, represented by the Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, Abimbola Akinajo, reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable Lagos.

He emphasised that the CNG transition strategy aligns with the state’s present agenda and its broader goal of improving air quality.

“Lagos is setting the pace for CNG adoption in Nigeria. If it works in Lagos, it will work across the country. We are committed to reducing emissions, cutting transportation costs, and creating new economic opportunities,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

He mentioned that “With over four million vehicles contributing significantly to fuel consumption and emissions in Lagos, the government aims to convert 10 per cent of the state’s vehicle fleet—about 400,000 vehicles—over the next three years. Additionally, 2,000 government-owned vehicles, including first and last mile buses, security vehicles, and service transport, will switch to CNG by the second quarter of 2025.”

To support this transition, the governor of the Lagos State Government noted that the state will establish four CNG refueling stations by mid-2025, with a total of 15 stations operational by the year’s end. This infrastructure expansion is expected to accelerate private-sector participation in the shift toward cleaner energy solutions.

Sanwo-Olu also commended the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority for successfully piloting CNG adoption in its fleet. Plans are underway to introduce at least 2,000 CNG buses, with deployment starting in the second quarter of 2025.

“Our commitment to cleaner transportation is unwavering. The CNG transition will not only reduce our carbon footprint but also lower transportation costs and enhance economic growth,” the governor added.

He urged government agencies, investors, transport operators, and private sector players to collaborate in making Lagos a national model for sustainable urban mobility.

Sanwo-Olu also lauded the Presidential CNG Initiative and Portland Gas Ltd for their commitment to this energy transition, calling it a “strategic move toward a smarter, cleaner, and more prosperous Lagos.”

Also, the Programme Director of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, Michael Oluwagbemi, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to transitioning to cleaner and more affordable transportation fuel.

He emphasised collaboration between government agencies and private sector players to drive CNG adoption.

“Compressed natural gas for Nigeria is a must-do,” Oluwagbemi said. “We must leverage this God-given resource to lower transportation costs and enable our people to move around in a cleaner manner.”

He praised the government’s incentives, including VAT waivers and gas pricing support, to encourage private sector investment in the CNG sector.

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of Portland Gas, Folajimi Mohammed, highlighted the project’s significance.

Mohammed said, “We are building another station here, tapping into the Accela Pipeline just 200 meters away. This is the future.”

He stressed the need for price uniformity to make gas more affordable and commended NADDC for regulating conversion centres.

“Their efforts have ensured safety and credibility in the industry,” he noted.