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The Lagos State Government, through its strategic energy implementation arm, the IBILE Oil and Gas Corporation (IOGC), has unveiled significant progress in its Clean Transport Energy Programme aimed at reducing dependence on traditional petrol-based vehicles.
As part of this initiative, 65 vehicles have already been successfully converted to run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), with plans firmly in place to convert an additional 550 vehicles by July 2025.
This transition to CNG forms a crucial component of the state’s broader efforts to alleviate the socio-economic impacts of the Federal Government’s fuel subsidy removal. By promoting cleaner and more cost-efficient alternatives, Lagos aims to shield its citizens from volatile fuel prices and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Lagos State Government Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja.
The briefing was part of a series of events commemorating Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s six years in office, during which he has prioritized energy sustainability and infrastructural development.
Ogunleye emphasized that the state’s CNG initiative is aligned with the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), which is being driven at the federal level by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. This partnership aims to fast-track Nigeria’s shift toward alternative, greener fuels, significantly lowering the country’s carbon footprint.
During his address, the commissioner highlighted several milestones achieved and future targets:
- Vehicle Conversions:
- 65 vehicles have been converted to run on CNG.
- An additional 550 vehicle conversions are ongoing, with completion targeted for July 2025.
- Capacity Building:
- 85 technicians have received training through existing Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) workshops.
- 17 master trainers have completed an intensive 316-hour “train-the-trainer” programme and received certification, ensuring a ripple effect in skill development across the state.
- Infrastructure Development:
- 17 CNG filling stations are set to become operational by October 2025, ensuring widespread accessibility of CNG refueling points.
- 11 CNG delivery trucks are also scheduled for deployment by the same timeline, supporting the supply chain and logistics of the gas distribution network.
Ogunleye reiterated that the core objective of this programme is to deliver cleaner, affordable, and more sustainable transportation options for Lagosians, especially in light of increasing fuel costs.
Beyond transportation, the Commissioner outlined a more extensive energy vision under the Lagos State Energy Transition Plan, overseen by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. The goal is to achieve universal access to clean, reliable electricity, boost local manufacturing of energy infrastructure, and transition Lagos into a 24-hour economic hub powered by stable and sustainable energy.
Key developments in this area include:
- The Lagos Electricity Market, created under the Lagos State Electricity Law of 2024, is now operational.
- The state has commenced the licensing of Independent Electricity Distribution Companies (IEDCs) to decentralize and enhance electricity supply.
- Support for embedded generation solutions is underway to promote localized power generation.
- The creation of the Lagos Independent System Operator (LISO) aims to coordinate and stabilize electricity distribution within the state.
As part of the state’s inclusive energy strategy, Ogunleye revealed that the government is working to complete and energize eight interconnected mini-grids in underserved and off-grid communities. These projects are tailored to bring reliable power to areas historically neglected by the national grid.
To institutionalize these efforts, Lagos is preparing to launch the Lagos State Electrification Agency. Furthermore, it will deepen its partnership with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) through the Distributed Access to Renewable Energy Solutions (DARES) Programme, a national initiative aimed at scaling renewable energy access across Nigeria.
“This administration is taking deliberate and structured steps to ensure no community is left behind in Lagos State’s energy transition,” Ogunleye affirmed. He concluded by reiterating the commitment of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration to position Lagos as a national model for clean energy adoption, infrastructural development, and economic resilience.
This comprehensive plan by the Lagos State Government signifies a bold move toward energy reform and environmental stewardship, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, inclusion, and economic empowerment.