The Lagos State Government has inaugurated a technical committee to drive commercial biogas and biomethane production across the state.

The initiative is designed to reduce dependence on imported fuel and support cleaner, sustainable energy solutions for residents and businesses.

Speaking at a ministerial press briefing in Lagos on Monday, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, Commissioner for Transportation, confirmed the committee’s inauguration.

Mr Osiyemi said the committee comprised representatives from various ministries, departments and agencies, brought together to ensure coordinated implementation.

He explained that feasibility studies had shown biogas and biomethane could serve as viable alternatives to conventional diesel usage.

“Lagos generates about 13,000 metric tonnes of waste daily, with 45 per cent organic content.

“This organic waste can be converted into biomethane fuel locally at significantly lower production costs,” he said.

According to him, the newly established committee would accelerate the journey towards full commercial-scale production across the state.

On environmental sustainability, Mr Osiyemi said the government had introduced several programmes aimed at cutting emissions and improving urban cleanliness.

He said one major intervention involved converting 152 First and Last Mile buses from petrol-powered systems to cleaner CNG engines.

The commissioner also highlighted progress on the state’s seven-line electric rail network, designed to support mass urban mobility.

He added that diesel-powered bus operations were gradually being replaced with cleaner alternatives, including electricity, biogas and CNG technologies.

Mr Osiyemi revealed that CNG buses introduced since 2022 had transported more than 600,000 passengers statewide.

He said the transition had also reduced operational fuel costs by nearly 50 per cent.

According to him, two electric buses deployed on Bus Rapid Transit corridors completed a successful 90-day pilot operation.

The buses moved over 150,000 passengers while preventing roughly 200,000 kilogrammes of carbon emissions.

He also disclosed that the state introduced 2,000 CNG-powered trucks under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s haulage reform programme.

The initiative was implemented through the transport logistics office in partnership with United Bank for Africa.

“The programme is replacing old, unsafe trucks linked with road accidents across the state.

“It is also promoting safer and cleaner haulage operations within Lagos,” Mr Osiyemi said.

He further highlighted a sustainability conference organised by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority.

The conference was under the theme: ‘Harnessing Clean Urban Transport Innovation and Investment in Africa.’

It brought together African cities, development partners and transport stakeholders to advance cleaner transport systems.

According to Mr Osiyemi, the gathering further strengthened Lagos’ position as a leading sustainable transport hub in Africa.

The commissioner also mentioned initiatives such as E1 Sport Series and EcoMove Lagos.

He said both programmes were created to encourage innovation in water transportation and smarter mobility solutions.

Mr Osiyemi disclosed that more electric and CNG-powered vehicles were now entering the e-hailing transport sector.

He said the development reflected growing private-sector confidence in cleaner transportation systems across Lagos.

According to him, all ongoing reforms align with the state government’s THEMES+ development agenda.

He said the policy framework prioritises eco-friendly transport, reduced emissions, better traffic management and integrated multimodal connectivity. 

(NAN)