As part of efforts to transition from Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), the Lagos State government has organised a three-day training for Vehicle Inspection and Safety Commission officers.
The initiative, in line with the federal government’s directive, was spearheaded by the Lagos State Safety Commission.
Speaking at the opening session of the training held at Dover Hotel, Aromire, Ikeja, the Director-General of the Lagos Safety Commission, Lanre Mojola, emphasised that adopting CNG as an alternative fuel is more than just an energy transition.
He said it reflects the government’s commitment to a cleaner, safer, and more cost-effective energy system.
He stated that the training, which includes both practical and technical sessions, is a follow-up to Lagos State’s integration of CNG buses and electric bikes into its transportation system, aligning with the Presidential Initiative on energy transition.
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He further noted that officials must be adequately trained to oversee these vehicles on the road, ensuring public safety and well-being.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Sesan Ogundeko, also stressed the importance of safety in transportation.
He commended the Lagos State Safety Commission for organizing the training, emphasizing that beyond the economic benefits of CNG conversion—such as lower transportation costs—it will significantly reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality.
He, however, called for the establishment of more CNG refuelling stations to support the initiative, ensuring its efficiency and convenience across the state.
In their remarks, Akin-George Fashola, Chief State Vehicle Inspection Officer, and Engr. Abiola Koseegbe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, both represented by Gbenga Vaughan and Engr. Aileru Tajudeen reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to enforcing regulations that will enhance the quality and safety of CNG usage.
They also underscored the need for continuous stakeholder engagement and technical training for officers responsible for monitoring CNG-powered vehicles.
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Meanwhile, Ogonna Onyemelukwe, the Presidential CNG Initiative Expansion Coordinator (South West I), highlighted that the Federal Government is promoting CNG adoption to reduce dependence on costly petroleum products and harness Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves.
She pointed out that CNG conversion is not only cost-effective but also fosters job creation, economic growth, and energy security while contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.
