Joyce Mmereole Okoli
In a bold move to revolutionize inland water transportation in Lagos, the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has kickstarted efforts to transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, with a focus on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric-powered ferries.
On Tuesday, LASWA hosted a high-level strategic engagement at its Ikoyi headquarters, bringing together key players including the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG), RIL Hydro Kraft Limited, major boat operators, and marine stakeholders. The aim: to harmonize national clean energy objectives with the operational realities of Lagos’ inland water transport sector.
In his welcome remarks, LASWA General Manager, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, emphasized that the introduction of CNG-powered boats and electric ferries forms part of the agency’s long-term commitment to reducing carbon emissions, improving safety, and cutting operational costs for boat operators.
“Our waterways are central to the future of mobility in Lagos, and transitioning to cleaner energy is essential for sustainable growth,” Emmanuel stated. “This meeting marks the beginning of deeper collaboration towards that goal.”
The Pi-CNG team, led by its Project Director and CEO, Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, provided an overview of the federal government’s roadmap for expanding CNG adoption across transport sectors — including the marine industry. Drawing from success stories in road transport, Oluwagbemi assured stakeholders of robust technical support, enabling policies, and phased implementation tailored to marine operators.
Adding technical depth to the dialogue, Mr. Layi Solesi, CEO of RIL Hydro Krafts Limited, presented on the conversion process, infrastructure requirements, safety protocols, and long-term economic benefits of CNG-powered marine vessels.
He showcased successful deployments in other coastal regions and expressed his firm’s readiness to pilot similar projects in Lagos in partnership with LASWA.
During the interactive session, boat operators voiced concerns around the cost of conversion, engine compatibility, availability of fueling stations, and safety measures. In response, LASWA and federal partners pledged a participatory rollout backed by capacity-building initiatives and ongoing stakeholder engagement.
The meeting concluded with a shared sense of purpose and optimism. LASWA reaffirmed its role as a forward-looking regulator and facilitator in shaping a safer, greener, and more efficient waterways system.
As Lagos forges ahead with its clean energy transition agenda, Tuesday’s engagement sets the tone for transformative action across its water transport network. Stakeholders are hopeful that the vision of a CNG-powered marine future will soon become a reality.