Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, inaugurated the first phase of a N150 billion initiative aimed at modernizing the state’s logistics sector by rolling out 2,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks for port and haulage operations. This launch took place at the LTV Ground, Agidingbi Road, Alausa, Ikeja, and was attended by various stakeholders, including representatives from the Nigeria Railway Corporation, Federal Road Safety Corps, and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority.
The initiative, led by Comrade Hassan Adekoya from the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation and Logistics, is a public-private partnership supported by a N150 billion soft-loan facility from United Bank for Africa (UBA). It aims to phase out ageing and unsafe trucks contributing to road accidents, committing an initial N50 billion to replace these vehicles with reliable CNG-powered alternatives.
During the event, Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Special Adviser on Transportation, Sola Giwa, emphasized the risks posed by outdated trucks, calling for a transition to modern vehicles to foster Lagos’s role as a globally competitive logistics hub. He stated, “Our government has initiated a programme to support truck owners to acquire brand-new vehicles through affordable and well-structured credit facilities.”
The governor highlighted the significance of public-private collaboration in enhancing the maritime and logistics sector. He announced plans to improve digital infrastructure for logistics management along the Lekki Corridor, enhancing transparency and reducing operational costs for stakeholders.
Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, referred to the initiative as a “shared commitment to building a safer, cleaner, and more efficient logistics ecosystem.” He also noted government interventions, including free eye screenings and substance abuse sensitization for truck operators, aiming to improve overall safety standards.
Comrade Adekoya mentioned that mandatory driver safety assessments would incorporate periodic eye examinations, providing corrective eyewear at no cost to those diagnosed with vision issues.
The initiative has received widespread approval from stakeholders, urging beneficiaries to utilize the program to foster personal growth and contribute to the economic development of Lagos State.
