By; MATTHEW UKACHUNWA, Lagos A meeting for the adoption of cleaner and more sustainable energy sources for water transportation has been held b
By; MATTHEW UKACHUNWA, Lagos
A meeting for the adoption of cleaner and more sustainable energy sources for water transportation has been held by Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG), Lagos State Water Ways Authority (LASWA) and RIL Hydro Kraft Limited.
RIL Hydro Kraft is the promoter of CNG for Marine key Boat Operators and Marine Stakeholders across Lagos State.
The meeting was organized by Lagos State Water Ways Authority at its Headquarters in Ikoyi, Lagos on Wednesday 9th July 2025.
The gathering marked a significant step towards the adoption of cleaner and more sustainable energy sources within the inland water transport sector of Lagos State.
The agenda of the meeting was aimed at aligning national clean energy goals with the realities and operations of local boat operators, explore the feasibility of marine CNG adoption, and foster collaboration among stakeholders in driving an efficient energy transition in water transportation.
In his welcome address on the occasion, the General Manager of LASWA, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, highlighted the strategic importance of introducing CNG-powered boats and Electric Ferries as part of LASWA’s long-term commitment towards reducing carbon emissions, enhancing passenger safety, and lowering operational costs for operators.
Emmanuel emphasized that the waterways are central to Lagos’ future mobility plans, and energy transition remains a core pillar in actualizing this vision.
Information made available by the Public Affairs Unit of LASWA stated that “the team from the Presidential Initiative on CNG, led by the PD/CEO Engr. Micheal Oluwagbemi provided insight into the federal government’s roadmap for accelerating CNG adoption across multiple transport sectors, including maritime.”
Oluwagbemi shared the success stories from the road transport CNG adoption across the country and assured stakeholders of strong technical support and enabling policies towards the adoption of CNG for Marine.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of RIL Hydro Krafts Limited, Mr. Layi Solesi, delivered a technical presentation on the conversion process, fueling infrastructure, safety standards, and the long-term economic benefits of CNG usage in marine transport.
Solesi also showcased successful case studies from other coastal cities and expressed readiness to work closely with LASWA and the boat operators on pilot schemes.
Boat operators who attended the meeting raised critical questions and shared concerns regarding affordability, safety, engine compatibility, fueling infrastructure, and maintenance.
In response, both LASWA and the federal team assured them of gradual and inclusive implementation backed by capacity-building programmes, and stakeholder involvement at every stage.
“This landmark meeting reinforces LASWA’s role as a proactive regulator and bridge-builder in shaping a safer, greener, and more efficient water transport system for Lagos.
“Stakeholders expressed optimism and commitment towards actualizing the vision of a CNG-powered future on Lagos waterways,” LASWA’s Public Affairs Unit wrote in a statement titled, “Pi-CNG, LASWA Move to Embrace CNG as Alternative Energy for Ferries.”
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