Prof. Iyiola Oni, Director, Multi-Modal Transport Centre, University of Lagos, says the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric buses is key to combating the negative impacts of our current transport system on the environment.
Oni said this at the EcoMove Lagos 2025 Conference held on Tuesday in Lagos.
The conference had the theme, “EcoMove: Connecting Communities, Reducing Emissions, The Role of Public Transportation in Achieving Sustainable Goals.”
He noted that shifting from traditional petrol and diesel vehicles to cleaner alternatives was not only environmentally responsible but also essential to improving public health and urban livability.
“Lagos, Africa’s most populous city, has long struggled with traffic congestion, air pollution and reliance on outdated public transport vehicles like the diesel-powered ‘Danfo’ minibuses.
“The Lagos State Government has initiated several reforms, including the deployment of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems, the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) project and the introduction of CNG-powered buses.
“These interventions are more than infrastructure upgrades, they are about connecting communities, fostering social inclusion and ensuring that people regardless of income, age, or ability have safe, affordable and clean transport options,” he said.
Oni noted that through the Lagos State Transportation Master Plan (LSTMP), government was also promoting route optimisation, smart ticketing, non-motorised transport infrastructure and integrated modal systems involving road, rail and water.
He said that despite the progress, challenges such as poor maintenance culture, policy gaps and limited funding continued to hinder full implementation.
Oni called for increased investment, stronger institutional frameworks and public awareness campaigns to sustain momentum.
“Cleaner transport is not optional, it is necessary for a healthier, more resilient Lagos.
“The city’s shift toward greener, smarter transport systems is expected not only to lower emissions but also enhance productivity, reduce travel time and create new economic opportunities for Lagosians,” he said.
Also, the Commissioner for Transportation, Ekiti State, Mr Kehinde Ajobiewe, said that the initiative was laudable and meant for the good and wellbeing of citizens.
Ajobiewe added that this was because a polluted environment was a risk for everyone, so the need to reduce emissions and ensure good health of the community.
“Ekiti State is planning to key into having an eco-friendly environment, through the introduction of electric vehicles and CNG buses from the Federal Government which have arrived and we have conversion centres in the state,” he said.
Earlier, the Lagos Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, Mr Toyin Aremu, noted that the EcoMove was about connecting communities, reducing emissions in the modes of transportation.
“Our campaign is about promoting a healthy nation.
“We have the rail lines, our waterways are being used 22 per cent and this shows that there are opportunities in the waterways for people to take advantage of.
“They should take away their phobia and make use of the waterways so as to reduce the crack on the roads,” he said.
Aremu urged Lagos residents to prioritise the use of public transport, use of only one car for outings, instead of bringing out all cars in the house as this would reduce traffic and travel time and make people become more productive.
