Lagos Rolls Out CNG Buses, Electric Vehicles In June

Lagos State government has hinted of a plan to introduce about 2,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses before the end of 2024.

The commissioner for transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, who disclosed this, at the commencement of the 2024 ministerial briefing on the activities of the ministry during the administration of Lagos State Governor, Bababjide Sanwo-Olu, held at Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, also said the state government is set to launch about 231 electric vehicles by the end of June, 2024.

Osiyem said the state government is already engaging a private company on the acquisition of the CNG buses which will be distributed in two phases of 1,000, scheduled to be introduced by the end of 2024.

He said the measure was part of an effort to alleviate the effects of fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government on the residents.

We are also looking at introducing about 231 electric vehicles on our road to complement the existing fleet of vehicles using diesel and petrol,” Osiyemi stated.

The commissioner added that the initiative is to deliver cheaper, safer and more climate-friendly energy to residents and Nigerians in general.

Osiyemi said, “Lagos state Government is working with private operators under a PPP arrangement to launch over 2,000 CNG buses for residents to enjoy a carbon free emission atmosphere.

“We are also looking at introducing about 231 electric vehicles on our road to complement the existing fleet of vehicles using diesel and petrol.”

The initiative is to deliver cheaper, safer and more climate-friendly energy to residents and Nigerians in general.

Speaking on one way offence, he said henceforth, any offender caught driving against the flow of traffic, popularly called “One-Way” will be taken for psychiatric test and face prosecution accordingly.

Osiyemi continued, “The menace of driving against flow of traffic is worrisome and the state government is determined to curb it.

“Henceforth, any offender apprehended will be taken for psychiatric test as well as prosecuted according to the Lagos State Traffic laws.”

He also said the state government had continued to prioritise its intermodal transportation system to make life comfortable for residents, putting in place bus reform initiatives, collaborating with the private sector to build ferries, rail lines as it adopts innovative technology in the sector.

At the event, the special adviser to the governor on transport, Sola Giwa said that under the law local council officials have no authority to arrest motorists over traffic issues.

He said they do not have the authority and rights to arrest vehicles over traffic management issues, stating that any local council officials doing so are doing it illegally and should be reported to the ministry for appropriate actions.