The Lagos State Government, through the Safety Commission, has organised a three-day training course for Vehicle Inspection and Safety Commission Officers.
This follows the federal government’s directive on the need to move away from Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, to Compressed Natural Gas, CNG,
Speaking at the opening session of the training held at Dover Hotel, Ikeja, Director General, Safety Commission, Mr Lanre Mojola, said that the adoption of CNG as an alternative fuel is not just an energy solution, but a declaration by the Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration’s resolve to embrace cleaner, safer and more affordable energy systems.
Mojola said the state government prioritises the well-being of its citizens and the preservation of the environment and will leave nothing to chance to protect their interest.
“The training which involved both practical and technical sessions is a follow-up to the state’s adoption of CNG buses and E-bike into its transportation system which is in tandem with the Presidential Initiative on energy transition to cleaner and alternative fuel and at such, it is the function of the Commission to train officials that will oversee these vehicles on the road, so as to ensure safety of lives and public well-being,” he said.
Safety First
In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Lagos State, Mr Sesan Ogundeko, mentioned that for any issue that has to do with transportation to be successful, safety is key and should not be compromised.
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Ogundeko, who acknowledged the commission’s efforts for organising the training, highlighted the advantages inherent in the conversion of vehicles to CNG-powered vehicles, which will lower the cost of transportation, reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality
He stressed the need for the availability of more compressed gas stations and further ensure that the CNG is safe, effective, efficient, convenient and should be implemented in Lagos as a whole.
Adequate Enforcement
Some stakeholders at the training commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration for supporting the laudable initiative, adding that adequate enforcement and regulations must be adhered to for a safer environment.
They stressed the need for ongoing stakeholder and technical staff training on CNG safety and usage with various vehicles while commending Lagos State’s leadership on the initiative.
Harnessing resources
In her submission, the Presidential CNG Initiative Expansion Coordinator, South West 1, Mrs Ogonna Onyemelukwe, maintained that the Nigerian government has been promoting the use of CNG as part of its efforts to reduce dependence on expensive petroleum products and harness the country’s vast natural gas reserves.
She reiterated that CNG conversion is cheaper, fosters job creation, enhances economic growth, and is a hallmark of a cleaner, healthier and safer environment devoid of air pollution.
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