The Lagos State Government has announced plans to begin commercial production of biogas and bio-methane as part of efforts to reduce dependence on imported fuel and promote cleaner transportation across the State.

This was revealed during the annual ministerial press briefing by the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, who said the State had already set up a Technical Committee made up of relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to drive the project.

According to him, a feasibility study showed that bio-methane is a reliable and cheaper alternative to diesel, hence, the initiative will convert organic waste generated daily in Lagos into fuel that can power buses and other transport systems.

Osiyemi explained that Lagos produces about 13,000 metric tonnes of waste every day, with nearly 45 per cent of it being organic waste that can be converted into fuel locally. The Commissioner said the project forms part of the State Government’s wider plan to promote cleaner and more sustainable transportation.

He highlighted several ongoing initiatives, including the conversion of 152 First and Last Mile buses from petrol to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), as well as the development of a seven-line electric rail network across the State.

According to him, CNG buses introduced since 2022 have transported more than 600,000 passengers while reducing fuel costs by 50 per cent.

He also disclosed that two electric buses deployed on Bus Rapid Transit routes completed a 90-day pilot programme, transporting over 150,000 passengers and reducing about 200,000 kilograms of carbon emissions.

The Commissioner also noted that more electric and CNG-powered vehicles are now being registered in the e-hailing sector, showing growing acceptance of cleaner energy alternatives in Lagos.

He said all the projects align with the State Government’s THEMES+ Agenda, which focuses on eco-friendly transportation, lower emissions, improved traffic management, and better integration of road, rail, water, and air transport systems.

In another effort to improve cleaner transportation, the Lagos State Government partnered with United Bank for Africa to introduce 2,000 CNG-powered trucks under Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s haulage reform programme.

The initiative is expected to replace old and unsafe trucks while improving road safety and reducing pollution.