Lagos Govt Partners NARTO on 2,000 CNG Trucks, Safety Reforms for Drivers

ZAINAB JUNAID

As part of effort to promote eco-friendly transportation system and reduce emission, the Lagos State Government has forged strategic partnership with the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) for the deployment of 2,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks across the state.

This development followed a closed-door stakeholders’ engagement which brought together key representatives of the transportation sector.

Speaking during the meeting, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, and Senior Special Assistant on Transportation and Logistics, Hon. Hassan Adekoya briefed the Stakeholders on progress made under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

Giwa informed that the government is teaming up with banks to help transport operators get funding for the CNG trucks. He lauded the governor for pushing the initiative as it will improve operational efficiency, reduce emission and cut logistics costs, adding Lagos State will provide CNG trucks to NARTO.

In his remarks, Adekoya identified the government’s safety reforms targeted at haulage and logistics operations, highlighting several measures deployed to reduce truck-related accidents and protect public infrastructure.

“His Excellency has approved mandatory substance-abuse tests for all truck drivers operating in Lagos State. Drivers found to have vision problems will receive corrective eyeglasses fully funded by the government.

“The administration has begun the gradual phase-out of old diesel trucks to ensure safer and more environmentally friendly haulage operations.

“The days of container- loaded trucks collapsing, destroying vehicles, and taking innocent lives must end. Lagosians should be able to leave home and return home safely. That is the standard we are enforcing,” he said.

The CNG truck rollout will be executed under an asset-purchase scheme facilitated by UBA Bank, providing operators with structured repayment options.

In his remarks, the National President of NARTO, Alhaji Usman Yusuf Lawal, lauded the Lagos State Government for sustaining Stakeholders engagement and investing in logistics infrastructure.

“We appreciate the Federal Government for the buses already given and we also commend Governor Sanwolu’s administration —not only this initiative, but for others as well, including the rail line and the food hub project,” Lawal said.

On the scope of the truck replacement plan, he confirmed that deliberation is ongoing, stressing, “We are yet to finalise the pricing of the new trucks. Once that is determined, we will assess our existing fleet and identified the vehicles that will be phased out. The priority is safer, more efficient trucks for the benefit of the operators and the public,” he added.

Also, Chairman NARTO Lagos, Alhaji Kayode Okunowo assured that the association will continue to collaborate with the government to ensure a safer, more structured logistics ecosystem in the state.