Lagos, NARTO Partner on 2,000 CNG Trucks and New Safety Rules for Drivers – Nigeria Updates- Breaking News, Nigerian News, Politics, Sports, Entertainment and Business – Nigeriaupdates.com
Connect with us

Transportation

Lagos, NARTO Partner on 2,000 CNG Trucks and New Safety Rules for Drivers

Published

on

Lagos State has entered a strategic partnership with the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) to deploy 2,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks, as part of sweeping reforms aimed at reducing accidents and transitioning the haulage sector to cleaner energy.

Officials said the deal followed a closed-door session with transport operators and logistics stakeholders.

State to supply new CNG trucks

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, confirmed that Lagos State will supply the 2,000 CNG trucks to NARTO under a structured asset-purchase scheme managed by UBA Bank.

He said the state is working with financial institutions to support operators switching from diesel to CNG.

“We have already seen a reduction of transportation costs by at least 30% through the introduction of CNG buses. This model is working, and we are preparing for the deployment of 2,000 additional trucks,” Giwa said.

He noted that Lagos had earlier taken delivery of 20 CNG trucks, several 50-seater units, and three new LPC 50-seater CNG buses, adding that the state’s cumulative transport investment could exceed ₦50 billion.

Safety reforms: Drug tests, eye screening, and phase-out of old trucks

Senior Special Assistant on Transportation and Logistics, Hon. Hassan Adekoya, announced a set of compulsory safety measures for truck drivers.

“His Excellency has approved mandatory substance-abuse tests for all truck drivers operating in Lagos,” Adekoya said.

“Any driver diagnosed with visual impairment will receive corrective eyeglasses fully funded by the government.”

He added that the state is beginning a gradual phase-out of aged diesel trucks, targeting at least 2,000 units over time to create a safer and more environmentally friendly haulage system.

“The days of container-loaded trucks collapsing on vehicles and taking lives must end. Lagosians should be able to leave home and return safely. That is the standard we are enforcing,” he said.

NARTO welcomes Lagos investment

NARTO National President, Alhaji Usman Yusuf Lawal, praised the collaboration and thanked both Lagos State and the Federal Government for previous support under the Presidential CNG Initiative.

“We appreciate the Federal Government for the buses already given, and we commend Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration not only for this initiative but for others such as the rail lines and food hub projects,” he said.

He clarified that discussions on the cost of the new CNG trucks were ongoing.

“We are yet to finalise the cost of the new trucks. Once determined, we will assess our existing fleet to identify the vehicles to be phased out. The priority is safer, more efficient trucks for the benefit of operators and the public.”

Lawal said Lagos deserved to be the first sector targeted because it handles the highest volume of national cargo traffic.

A new time for transporters’ – NARTO Lagos Chair

The Lagos State Chairman of NARTO, Alhaji Kayode Okunowo, described the development as a moment of relief for members.

“We are very happy with what happened today. Transporters can now smile, go home, and sleep happily after work. This is a new time, and we thank God for it,” he said.

Alhaji Bola Ogunyele, the Southwest Zone Chairman of NARTO also commended the meeting, calling it “productive and meaningful” and offering prayers for continued progress in the sector.

Industry reactions

Transport experts say the move could significantly reduce logistics delays, fuel costs and emissions especially for shippers who have spent days stuck in queues due to bad roads and ageing trucks.

Stakeholders expect that cleaner fuel and safer vehicles will also reduce the economic losses caused by frequent accidents.

What’s next?

The state will begin:

Full rollout of the 2,000 CNG trucks

Compulsory testing regime for drivers

Continuous phase-out of older diesel trucks

Implementation of UBA-backed financing for operators

Officials say detailed timelines will be released once cost frameworks and fleet assessments are concluded.

Continue Reading

Transportation

JMG Haulage Expands Fleet With 20 New Trucks to Boost Nationwide Logistics Capacity

Published

on

JMG Haulage, the logistics and haulage arm of JMG, says it has expanded its fleet to meet rising demand for reliable transportation across Nigeria’s key commercial corridors.

The company announced the addition of 20 new heavy-duty haulage trucks, a move it says will significantly improve long-haul delivery capacity and reduce turnaround times for businesses operating nationwide.

Founded in 2019, JMG Haulage started with just four trucks, serving internal distribution and a handful of third-party clients.

Through steady growth and operational discipline, the company expanded to 31 heavy-duty and 16 light-duty trucks before the latest fleet upgrade.

Why it matters

Nigeria’s supply chains depend heavily on road transport, especially for fast-moving consumer goods, industrial inputs, and agricultural products.

The new trucks are configured as 24-pallet units, each capable of carrying up to 45 tonnes, allowing JMG Haulage to handle large-scale, long-distance deliveries more efficiently.

Mixed-energy strategy

JMG Haulage says the new fleet reflects a mixed-energy approach aimed at balancing efficiency and sustainability.

Ten of the trucks run on compressed natural gas (CNG), with a driving range of up to 1,400 kilometres, while the remaining ten are diesel-powered to ensure flexibility across different routes and terrains.

What the company is saying

Speaking on the expansion, the General Manager of JMG Haulage, Mohamad Dayekh, described the move as a strategic milestone.

“This fleet expansion is a strategic milestone for JMG Haulage. It allows us to scale our haulage and logistics capacity nationwide while maintaining high service standards, cost efficiency, and safety. By investing in both CNG and diesel technologies, we are strengthening reliability for our customers today while preparing JMG Haulage for a more sustainable future.”

Operational impact

The company says the fleet rollout was completed in January 2026 after inspections, branding, driver deployment, and route planning.

As a result, monthly operational mileage is expected to rise from about 150,000 kilometres to 250,000 kilometres.

JMG Haulage says this will improve delivery timelines, reduce congestion in its operations, and allow it to onboard new customers without disrupting existing services.

Industry reach

Operating on a pan-Nigeria scale, the company serves clients across the North, South, East, and West.

Its haulage services support sectors including FMCG, agro-products, chemicals, cosmetics, electrical goods, generators, and industrial equipment.

Logistics industry observers say diversified sector coverage can help operators stay resilient amid economic fluctuations.

Safety and maintenance

JMG Haulage says the expanded fleet is backed by dedicated maintenance teams, preventive servicing programmes, and OEM-led technical training.

The company also monitors cost-per-kilometre and vehicle performance to ensure safety and efficiency across its operations.

What’s next

Looking ahead, JMG Haulage says it plans to expand into cold-chain logistics and increase investment in green haulage solutions.

The company says the move aligns with global sustainability expectations and Nigeria’s growing demand for specialised logistics services.

Continue Reading

Transportation

Lagos to Screen 10,000 Drivers in Statewide Health and Road Safety Programme

Published

on

The Lagos State Government says it will begin a large-scale health and safety programme targeting commercial drivers across the state, with at least 10,000 drivers expected to benefit.

The initiative, announced by the Ministry of Transportation, is aimed at improving road safety by ensuring drivers are medically fit, alert, and capable of operating vehicles safely.

According to the government, the programme will run from Monday 9 February to Thursday 12 February 2026, and will take place across multiple transport hubs in Lagos.

Why it matters

Lagos has one of the busiest road and logistics networks in Africa, with thousands of truck and commercial drivers transporting goods daily from ports, depots, and industrial zones.

Officials say poor eyesight, untreated medical conditions, and substance abuse have continued to contribute to road crashes involving commercial vehicles.

The government believes addressing these issues directly among drivers could reduce accidents, protect lives, and support economic activity.

What the programme includes

Drivers participating in the programme will receive free eye screenings, medical consultations, corrective lenses, as well as substance abuse awareness and screening.

The screenings will be conducted at four major locations: Iyana Iba, Obalende, Lekki Free Trade Zone Parks, and the Lilly Pond Bonded Terminal in Apapa.

Government explanation

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport and Logistics, Hon. Hassan Adekoya, said the initiative was designed to address the occupational health challenges faced by professional drivers, particularly truck operators.

“The initiative is designed to address the occupational, health, and safety challenges faced by professional drivers, particularly truck drivers; who play a critical role in sustaining Lagos State’s economy and logistics ecosystem.”

He added that the overall goal was to ensure drivers leaving ports, depots, and parks were physically and mentally fit to use the roads safely.

“The overall goal of the initiative is to ensure that every driver departing seaports, depots, and parks across Lagos State is physically fit, mentally alert, and visually capable of navigating the roads safely.”

Call to transport unions

The state government has urged transport owners, associations, and unions to support the programme by mobilising drivers and granting access to parks and depots.

Officials say cooperation from industry stakeholders will determine how many drivers ultimately benefit from the initiative.

What’s next

The Ministry of Transportation says feedback from the programme will guide future road safety policies and driver-focused interventions in Lagos.

Drivers and transport operators seeking further information have been advised to contact the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Transport and Logistics.

Continue Reading

Transportation

Lagos Begins 64-Day Lekki–Epe Road Repairs, Promises Smooth Traffic Flow

Published

on

Motorists using the busy Lekki–Epe Expressway are being assured of smooth traffic flow as Lagos begins a 64-day rehabilitation of the key economic corridor.

The Lekki–Epe Expressway is one of Lagos’ most critical transport routes, linking residents, businesses and Nigeria’s largest private industrial assets.

Disruptions on the corridor often ripple across the state’s economy, affecting commute times, logistics, fuel distribution and port operations.

With the road now undergoing repairs, traffic management has become a major public concern.

What the Lagos government is saying

The Lagos State Government says the expressway will not be closed during the rehabilitation.

Speaking on Monday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, said comprehensive traffic plans are already in place to limit disruption.

“The rehabilitation exercise will not entail the closure of the expressway,” Mr Giwa said, adding that traffic control would focus on “critical and designated intersections” to sustain smooth vehicular movement.

Traffic plans and enforcement

Mr Giwa said traffic management has been broken into phased operations, with more personnel deployed along the corridor.

“Over 305 operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have been deployed to strengthen the three existing traffic management zones on the axis,” he said.

According to him, the goal is to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow, quick emergency response and strict enforcement of traffic rules.

Economic pressure on the corridor

The Lagos government acknowledged that traffic on the Lekki–Epe Expressway has increased sharply in recent years.

Mr Giwa linked the surge to major developments along the route, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Lekki Free Trade Zone, Dangote Refinery, and other fast-growing industrial and commercial hubs.

These projects have significantly raised the volume of private vehicles, haulage trucks and commercial traffic on the road.

Technology and emergency response

To prevent gridlock caused by breakdowns, LASTMA has deployed recovery vehicles of varying capacities.

“High, medium and low-capacity recovery vehicles, including tow trucks, have been positioned for the prompt removal of broken-down vehicles,” Mr Giwa said.

He also disclosed that the agency will deploy drone technology for real-time monitoring.

“This will help in the swift identification and resolution of traffic incidents along the Lekki–Epe Expressway and other strategic locations in Lagos,” he added.

Security and safety measures

The traffic plan also includes road safety enhancements.

Mr Giwa said the rehabilitation period will feature clear directional signage, improved lighting and other safety measures.

Personnel from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) have also been deployed to support LASTMA operations and ensure public safety.

Alternative routes for motorists

Motorists are being encouraged to reduce pressure on the expressway by using alternative routes.

Mr Giwa specifically recommended the Coaster Road from Ogombo through Abraham Adesanya, describing it as a viable option during the rehabilitation period.

Public cooperation urged

Authorities say the success of the project depends largely on public behaviour.

“Motorists are urged to exercise patience, demonstrate civic responsibility, obey traffic regulations and cooperate with traffic officers,” Mr Giwa said.

He stressed that discipline and cooperation would be key to preventing unnecessary congestion.

How to report traffic incidents

LASTMA has asked road users to report emergencies promptly.

Motorists can contact the agency via its toll-free hotline: 080000527862, with assurances of a fast and coordinated response.

What’s next

The rehabilitation is scheduled to last 64 days, with traffic measures reviewed continuously based on road conditions and traffic volume.

The Lagos State Government says the project is part of broader efforts to improve mobility, public safety and economic efficiency across the state.

Continue Reading

Go back

Your message has been sent

Warning

Trending

Copyright © 2025 NigeriaUpdates.