SUN DEC 08 2024-theGBJournal| Lagos State government signified its commitment to expanding the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative when on Friday the State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu launched the Ibile Oil Compressed Natural Gas.
Sanwo-Olu at the occasion emphasized his administration’s commitment to expanding the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative by investing in the infrastructure, technology, and partnerships necessary to make its adoption seamless and scalable.
The commitment was echoed at the Lagos State Government Pilot Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Vehicle Conversion Training organized by IBILE Oil & Gas Corporation (IOGC) held at the Lagos Bus Service Limited Workshop, Yaba, Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu, who spoke through the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, noted that his government envisioned a Lagos where clean energy powers its transportation systems, where innovation fuels its industries, and where job creation thrives in tandem with environmental stewardship.
He stated that the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas as an alternative fuel is not just an energy solution, but a declaration of his administration’s resolve to embrace cleaner, safer, and more affordable energy systems that prioritise the well-being of its people and the preservation of the environment.
His words, “Transitioning just 20% of our transportation fleet to CNG could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by tens of thousands of metric tons annually, significantly improving urban air quality. This is the scale of impact we are committed to achieving,” he said.
Mr. Governor called on all stakeholders, private sector partners, industry experts, and government agencies to collaborate with the state government in scaling the programme, saying that the journey to clean energy and economic empowerment cannot be undertaken alone.
“Together, we can position Lagos not just as a Nigerian leader in sustainable energy but as a beacon of innovation and progress across Africa. Let us move forward together, united in purpose, to build the Lagos of our dreams, one powered by innovation, sustainability, and resilience”, he said.
Speaking further on the initiative, Sanwo-Olu stated that it is more than a training programme; describing it as a bold step toward a brighter, cleaner, and more prosperous Lagos.
He, therefore, urged the participants of the initiative to seize the opportunity and become ambassadors of change, carrying the message of cleaner energy to every corner of the state.
Listing the benefits of CNG, the Governor said that environmentally, it significantly reduces carbon emissions, contributing to improved air quality as a critical step in combating the adverse effects of climate change and economically offers a cost-effective transportation alternative, easing the financial burden on the citizens while opening up new avenues for employment and local enterprise development.
He averred that the state government is demonstrating its commitment to three pivotal areas of a Greater Lagos Vision, which includes Energy Security, Environmental Sustainability, and Job Creation through the programme.
The Governor, therefore, commended the IBILE Oil & Gas Corporation for its foresight and determination in championing the groundbreaking initiative. “Your efforts in organising this pilot programme underscore the critical role of public-private partnerships in driving innovation, building local capacity, and fostering technological advancement in Lagos State”, he stated.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Managing Director, IBile Oil, and Gas, Ms. Doyin Akinyanju disclosed that the initiative marks a significant milestone in the state’s journey towards a more sustainable future that will enhance the quality of life of current, future generations and inhabitants of Lagos state. She added that the initiative is being launched to deliver a cleaner, greener, safer, and more efficient transportation sector in the state.
According to her, the programme focuses on “Training Trainers” and is an initiative aimed at enhancing manpower development for CNG vehicle conversions in Lagos State, to support a seamless transition to cleaner energy. She said the training programme will equip local technicians and mechanics with the knowledge and skills necessary to retrofit and convert conventional vehicles to run on CNG safely.
The Managing Director disclosed that the training will continue through March 2025. Thereafter, the technical partner, Landirenzo will continue to provide technical support over the next 12 to 18 months to the trained technicians and workshop partners in Lagos State.
Speaking further, Akinyanju noted that the CNG vehicle initiative will provide a unique “three-fold” opportunity for Lagos State, which includes Helping to address climate change and environmental concerns by reducing GHG emissions from the transport sector, Providing a cost-effective alternative to petrol and diesel consumption while utilizing the nation’s abundant gas resources and Support job creation while developing in-country capacity to position Lagos as a potential Centre of Excellence for CNG vehicle technology in West Africa.
The mandate of IBILE Oil and Gas Corporation (IOGC) as tasked by the Lagos State Government, is to explore cheaper, safer, more efficient, and sustainable alternative fueling options, the Managing Director stated, adding that IOGC is on course to deliver four CNG refueling stations in Lagos State by the end of March 2025 (Q1 2025).
The four stations, according to her, will be located at LAMATA Ojota terminal and LAMATA Ajah terminal, to service the LASG 2,000 CNG buses arriving in phases during 2025. The third Station will be in LAWMA Ijora Depot to service and fuel CNG LAWMA trucks and the fourth station will be located in Yaba to support CNG fueling of converted public vehicles.
She noted that 11 additional CNG refueling stations across Lagos State are planned to be delivered between the third quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026.
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