Lagos launches flexible CNG truck loan scheme for operators

By Lukman Olabiyi

The Lagos State Government has launched a major intervention aimed at replacing dilapidated trucks with modern, environmentally friendly vehicles through a flexible loan scheme designed for operators in the logistics and transport sector.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Special Adviser on Transportation, Sola Giwa, announced the initiative during a high-level stakeholders’ engagement held in Ikeja.

The scheme, developed in partnership with a financial institution and transport unions, will enable truck owners to acquire brand-new CNG-powered trucks on convenient repayment terms.

The governor said the programme is part of the administration’s broader agenda to eliminate rickety trucks from Lagos roads, reduce accidents, minimise cargo losses and improve traffic flow across the state.

He noted that transitioning to CNG trucks will also support the state’s goal of building a cleaner, more efficient logistics ecosystem.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the truck-financing initiative reflects the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of operators, enhancing safety across maritime and road transport corridors and reducing traffic-related incidents.

In his opening remarks, Giwa — represented by the Permanent Secretary, Olawale Musa — added that the state is taking proactive steps to strengthen the capacity of truckers and support greener logistics operations.

The Chairman of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Yusuf Lawal-Othman, lauded the loan scheme, assuring that members would embrace the transition to CNG trucks and phase out ageing vehicles to boost productivity.

Other stakeholders, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), also endorsed the initiative. NDLEA representative Abubakar Liman Wali said improved collaboration will help address drug use within the transport sector.

Participants at the engagement received free eye screening, corrective glasses, substance abuse tests and access to rehabilitation pathways as part of efforts to promote safer driving practices.

The session was attended by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Kayode Opeifa, and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport and Logistics, Hassan Adekoya.