Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has reiterated his administration’s commitment to expanding the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a sustainable energy source. Speaking at the Lagos State Government’s Pilot CNG Vehicle Conversion Training organized by IBILE Oil & Gas Corporation (IOGC) at the Lagos Bus Service Limited Workshop in Yaba, Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, emphasized the initiative’s significance in promoting sustainable energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and creating job opportunities.
Sanwo-Olu described the CNG initiative as a strategic part of his administration’s plan to embrace cleaner, safer, and more affordable energy systems. He noted that adopting CNG not only addresses the state’s energy needs but also offers a solution to environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality. The governor expressed confidence that the initiative would contribute significantly to the state’s Greater Lagos Vision, focusing on energy security, environmental preservation, and job creation.
The governor highlighted the positive economic and environmental impact the CNG initiative could have, especially in the transport sector. He mentioned that transitioning just 20 percent of the state’s transportation fleet to CNG could drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improving urban air quality. He also called on stakeholders from the private sector, government agencies, and industry experts to collaborate with the state government in scaling the program to achieve its objectives.
Ms. Doyin Akinyanju, Managing Director of IBILE Oil & Gas Corporation, highlighted the importance of the initiative as a milestone in Lagos’ journey toward a more sustainable future. She explained that the program focuses on “Training Trainers,” which will equip local technicians and mechanics with the skills to retrofit vehicles to run on CNG. This training, which will continue until March 2025, aims to ensure a seamless transition to cleaner energy by developing in-country capacity.
IBILE Oil & Gas Corporation also plans to establish four CNG refuelling stations across strategic locations in Lagos by March 2025, with plans for an additional 11 stations between 2025 and 2026. Akinyanju noted that the CNG initiative would offer a “three-fold” opportunity for Lagos State: reducing greenhouse gas emissions, providing a cost-effective alternative to petrol and diesel, and supporting job creation. The continued development of CNG infrastructure is expected to further cement Lagos’ position as a leader in sustainable energy adoption in Nigeria.
