Before the end of 2024, the Lagos State government intends to install roughly 2,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses.

At the beginning of the 2024 ministerial briefing on the ministry’s activities during the administration of Lagos State Governor, Bababjide Sanwo-Olu, held in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, the commissioner of transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, made this disclosure. He also stated that the state government plans to introduce approximately 231 electric vehicles by the end of June 2024.

According to Osiyem, the state government has already started working with a private company to acquire the CNG buses, which are expected to be deployed by the end of 2024 and dispersed in two phases of 1,000.

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 program, according to the commissioner, aims to provide residents and Nigerians as a whole with energy that is more affordable, secure, and environmentally benign.

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 effort aims to provide inhabitants and Nigerians in general with more affordable, secure, and environmentally friendly energy.

Speaking on one-way driving, he said that going forward, anyone found driving against the flow of traffic—a practice known as “One-Way” driving—will be subject to a mental health evaluation and possible legal action.

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.”

In order to improve the quality of life for its citizens, he added, the state government has kept putting its multimodal transportation system first. It has implemented efforts to reform the bus industry, worked with the private sector to build ferries and rail lines, and adopted cutting-edge technologies in the field.

During the event, Sola Giwa, the governor’s special advisor on transportation, stated that local council officials are not allowed by law to arrest drivers for traffic violations.

He declared that local council officials who arrest cars for traffic-related offenses are breaking the law and should be notified to the ministry so that the proper action may be taken. He claimed that they do not have the right or jurisdiction to do so.