By Joy Enamuna
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has taken a bold step toward cleaner and more sustainable marine transport by hosting a high-level engagement meeting with the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG), RIL Hydro Kraft Limited, boat operators, and other key stakeholders in the marine sector.
The meeting, held on July 9, 2025, at LASWA’s headquarters in Ikoyi, signaled a major push toward the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternative energy source for ferries and boats operating in Lagos.
The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader commitment to cleaner energy and is aimed at reducing emissions, improving efficiency, and cutting operating costs on the state’s waterways.
Welcoming participants, the General Manager of LASWA, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, emphasized the significance of transitioning to alternative energy sources such as CNG and electric-powered ferries.
He said the move is part of LASWA’s long-term vision to lower carbon emissions, enhance passenger safety, and provide more cost-effective operations for boat service providers.
He added that the waterways form a critical part of the state’s future mobility agenda, with energy transition playing a central role in that plan.
Engr. Micheal Oluwagbemi, the Project Director and CEO of the Presidential Initiative on CNG, presented the federal government’s roadmap for promoting CNG usage across transportation sectors, including maritime.
He highlighted the success stories from road transport and assured stakeholders of strong technical support and enabling policies for marine CNG adoption.
In a technical presentation, the CEO of RIL Hydro Kraft Limited, Mr. Layi Solesi, explained the CNG conversion process, infrastructure requirements, safety measures, and long-term economic gains. He shared successful examples from coastal cities outside Nigeria and expressed his company’s willingness to collaborate with LASWA and local boat operators to implement pilot schemes.
During the interactive session, boat operators voiced concerns about issues such as affordability, safety, fuel infrastructure, engine compatibility, and maintenance. Both LASWA and the federal team addressed the concerns, assuring participants that implementation would be phased, inclusive, and supported with training and active stakeholder involvement.
The meeting ended on an optimistic note, with stakeholders expressing readiness to work together to usher in a greener and more efficient marine transport system in Lagos. The initiative further positions LASWA as a forward-thinking regulator committed to innovation and environmental responsibility on the waterways.
For more information, the public can reach LASWA via 0700 CALL LASWA or 08090129777, or connect through social media handles @talktolaswa on Instagram and X.
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