Lagos, NARTO Discuss Deployment of 2,000 CNG Trucks to Boost Transport, Logistics Sector

OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos

The Lagos State Government has held a strategic meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) on the deployment of 2,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks as part of ongoing reforms in the State’s transport and logistics sector.

The meeting, which took place on Monday at the Ministry of Transportation, was attended by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa; the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olawale Musa; the Senior Special Assistant on Transportation and Logistics, Hon. Hassan Adekoya; and senior officials of NARTO led by the National President, Alhaji Usman Yusuf Lawal.

Hon. Giwa highlighted the achievements of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration in promoting cleaner and safer mobility, noting that the State Government is in talks with the banking sector to improve financing access for transport operators. He described the introduction of CNG vehicles as a transformational step toward reducing carbon emissions and modernizing logistics operations in Lagos.

NARTO President, Alhaji Lawal, expressed appreciation for the State Government’s support and cited ongoing transport infrastructure developments such as rail projects and food distribution hubs. He confirmed that Lagos has received 20 CNG buses under the Presidential Initiative on CNG and additional 50-seater units, including three recently delivered LPC buses.

According to him, the deployment of CNG vehicles has already cut transport costs by about 30%, providing economic relief to commuters and operators.

Also speaking, Senior Special Assistant on Transportation and Logistics, Hon. Adekoya, said the government has intensified safety measures in the haulage sector. He disclosed that Governor Sanwo-Olu has approved mandatory substance-abuse screening for truck drivers and free corrective eyeglasses for those with visual impairments.

He added that the government is set to phase out rickety trucks and replace them with safer and environmentally friendly alternatives through an asset-purchase scheme supported by UBA Bank to enable operators acquire new trucks under structured repayment plans.

“This initiative will protect public infrastructure, improve safety and enhance the efficiency of logistics operations across the state,” he said.

The Chairman of NARTO, Lagos State, Alhaji Kayode Okunowo, assured the government of the association’s support in creating a safer and more organized haulage system in Lagos.

The meeting was attended by Directors in the Ministry of Transportation and senior members of NARTO.