By Oluyinka Onigbinde
In a decisive step towards transitioning to cleaner energy on Lagos inland waterways, the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) on Tuesday, July 9, 2025, hosted a strategic engagement session with key players in Nigeria’s compressed natural gas (CNG) initiative and marine stakeholders.
The meeting, held at LASWA’s headquarters in Ikoyi, brought together officials from the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG), representatives of RIL Hydro Kraft Limited—promoters of marine-based CNG—boat operators, and other critical stakeholders in Lagos’ water transport sector.
The session, initiated by LASWA, sought to align local water transport practices with the federal government’s clean energy goals by exploring the feasibility of adopting CNG-powered ferries as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to petrol and diesel engines.
Speaking at the event, LASWA General Manager, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, emphasized the agency’s long-term strategy to cut carbon emissions, enhance safety, and reduce operational costs for ferry operators. He described CNG and electric ferries as key to the future of water mobility in Lagos, in line with the state’s broader transportation master plan.
“Energy transition is not just desirable—it is necessary. As we expand water transport in Lagos, we must also ensure it is safe, affordable, and environmentally sustainable,” Emmanuel stated.
Leading the Pi-CNG delegation, Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, Project Director and CEO of the initiative, presented the federal government’s roadmap for CNG adoption across multiple transport sectors, including marine. He cited success stories from road transport CNG conversions and assured stakeholders of federal backing in the form of enabling policies, technical support, and funding frameworks.
Also speaking, Mr. Layi Solesi, CEO of RIL Hydro Kraft Limited, gave a technical presentation on marine CNG conversion, fueling infrastructure, safety protocols, and the economic benefits of switching to natural gas. He cited successful implementations in other coastal regions and expressed readiness to collaborate with LASWA and boat operators on pilot schemes in Lagos.
Boat operators in attendance raised critical concerns about affordability, engine compatibility, fueling infrastructure, safety standards, and long-term maintenance. In response, LASWA and the Pi-CNG team assured operators of a phased, inclusive implementation process supported by capacity-building programs and stakeholder consultations.
