Lagos State has begun fresh efforts to commercialise biogas and biomethane production as part of plans to reduce dependence on imported fuel, improve waste management and promote cleaner transportation across the state.
The state government on Monday inaugurated a technical committee to drive the project and coordinate large-scale production of biogas and biomethane using organic waste generated daily within Lagos.
The development marks another step in the government’s growing investment in clean energy and environmentally friendly transportation systems.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, disclosed this during a ministerial press briefing in Lagos.
According to him, the committee includes representatives from several Ministries, Departments and Agencies to ensure smooth coordination and implementation of the project.
Osiyemi said studies carried out by the government showed that biogas and biomethane could become reliable alternatives to diesel and other expensive fuels currently used in transportation and industrial activities.
He explained that Lagos already has one major advantage — a huge supply of organic waste that can be converted into energy.
“Lagos generates about 13,000 metric tonnes of waste daily, with 45 per cent organic content. This organic waste can be converted into biomethane fuel locally at significantly lower production costs,” the commissioner said.
Biogas is a renewable fuel produced from organic waste materials such as food waste, animal waste and sewage. Biomethane, a refined form of biogas, can be used to power vehicles, generate electricity and support industrial operations.
For Lagos, Africa’s most populated city, waste management has remained one of the biggest environmental challenges for decades.
Large volumes of refuse generated daily often create pressure on landfills, drainage systems and public sanitation facilities.
The Lagos government said the newly inaugurated committee would speed up the transition from pilot projects to full commercial production.
Officials believe this could eventually reduce the state’s fuel expenses and encourage private investment in renewable energy.
The biogas initiative forms part of a wider clean transport programme already underway under the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Over the last few years, the government has gradually introduced reforms aimed at reducing carbon emissions and improving urban transportation.
One of the major areas of focus has been the replacement of petrol and diesel-powered vehicles with cleaner alternatives such as Compressed Natural Gas, electric buses and biogas-powered systems.
Osiyemi said the government had already converted 152 First and Last Mile buses from petrol engines to Compressed Natural Gas, popularly known as CNG.
The First and Last Mile buses operate in residential communities and help commuters connect to major transport routes across Lagos.
According to the commissioner, the use of CNG has significantly reduced fuel costs and improved operational efficiency.
He disclosed that CNG buses introduced since 2022 had transported more than 600,000 passengers while reducing fuel expenses by nearly 50 per cent.
The commissioner also highlighted progress in electric transportation.
He said two electric buses deployed on Bus Rapid Transit corridors completed a successful 90-day pilot operation.
According to him, the buses transported over 150,000 passengers during the trial period and prevented about 200,000 kilogrammes of carbon emissions from entering the environment.
Carbon emissions from petrol and diesel engines are among the major causes of air pollution and climate change.
Many major cities around the world are now investing in electric mobility as part of efforts to improve public health and reduce environmental damage.
Lagos, which struggles with traffic congestion and poor air quality in some areas, hopes cleaner transportation will improve living conditions over time.
Beyond buses, the state government is also focusing on haulage and cargo transportation.
Osiyemi revealed that the government had introduced 2,000 CNG-powered trucks under Governor Sanwo-Olu’s haulage reform programme.
The initiative is being implemented through the state transport logistics office in partnership with United Bank for Africa
According to the commissioner, the programme is replacing old and unsafe trucks often linked to road accidents across Lagos roads.
Heavy-duty trucks have for years contributed to traffic gridlock, accidents and environmental pollution in parts of Lagos, especially around ports and industrial zones.
The government believes cleaner and safer trucks will improve logistics operations and reduce transport-related hazards.
Osiyemi said the reforms are also helping to modernise transportation in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
He further highlighted progress on the state’s seven-line electric rail network project aimed at improving mass transit and reducing pressure on roads.
Lagos has continued to invest heavily in rail transportation as part of efforts to tackle traffic congestion affecting millions of residents daily.
The state recently launched parts of the Blue Line rail project, while work continues on other rail corridors.
The commissioner also mentioned the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority’s sustainability conference held under the theme, “Harnessing Clean Urban Transport Innovation and Investment in Africa.”
The event brought together government officials, investors, development partners and transport experts from different African cities to discuss cleaner transport systems and urban mobility solutions.
According to Osiyemi, initiatives such as the E1 Sport Series and EcoMove Lagos are also encouraging innovation in water transportation and smart mobility systems.
Water transportation has become increasingly important in Lagos because of the city’s growing population and pressure on road infrastructure.
The government says more electric and CNG-powered vehicles are now entering the e-hailing sector, showing increasing confidence from private investors in cleaner transportation systems.
While many residents welcome cleaner and cheaper transportation, concerns remain about the availability of charging stations, gas supply facilities and maintenance systems.
Despite the challenges, Lagos officials insist the reforms are necessary to prepare the state for future energy and environmental realities.
Osiyemi said all the projects align with the state government’s THEMES+ development agenda, which focuses on environmental sustainability, modern transportation, safer roads and integrated mobility systems.
As Lagos continues to grow rapidly in population and economic activities, the state government believes cleaner energy solutions such as biogas, electric vehicles and CNG transportation may become critical to managing future urban challenges.