Sanwo-Olu Rolls Out Free Eye Screening, CNG Support for Truckers

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has introduced a set of health and sustainability interventions targeted at truck operators, including free eye screening, substance-abuse sensitisation, drug testing, and access to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks through a financing partnership with the United Bank for Africa (UBA).

The initiatives were unveiled on Wednesday at the maiden edition of the Lagos Maritime Logistics Stakeholders’ Engagement held in Agidingbi, Ikeja.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Special Adviser on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, said the programme was designed to enhance safety, welfare and operational standards within the haulage and freight sector.

He noted that the forum serves as a critical platform for government, regulators, unions and private operators to address emerging industry challenges, strengthen compliance and jointly shape the future of maritime logistics in the state.

Sanwo-Olu urged truck operators to take advantage of the state’s partnership with UBA, which offers structured credit facilities for the acquisition of brand new CNG-powered trucks.

He stressed that improved safety practices and a transition to cleaner energy were essential for the long-term sustainability of the sector.

Delivering his remarks, the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the initiatives demonstrate the administration’s commitment to reducing preventable accidents and improving the wellbeing of truck drivers.

He described the move towards CNG adoption as “a bold step toward a greener future.”

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr Olawale Musa, highlighted the focus areas of the engagement-safety, sustainability, collaboration and welfare, while acknowledging the operational pressures faced by truckers.

Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr Kayode Opeifa, urged stakeholders to embrace the interventions, warning that failure to transition could render aspects of the industry obsolete.

He said the measures were necessary to address systemic deficiencies in maritime logistics.

National President of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Alhaji Yusuf Lawal Othman, commended the Lagos State Government for the initiative and pledged operators’ support for the shift to CNG vehicles, describing it as vital for environmental health and improved economic contribution.

UBA’s Regional Manager, Mr Ernest Omoreghe, confirmed the bank’s readiness to support the transition through a ₦150 billion financing window, to be released in three phases to help operators renew their fleets with modern, safer and climate-friendly trucks.

The engagement, initiated by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport and Logistics, Hon. Hassan Adekoya, drew participants from key institutions, including representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the Lagos State Police Command, the Association of Maritime and Truck Owners (AMATO), Sinotruk, and other industry stakeholders.