Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has launched new health and sustainability interventions for truck operators, including free eye screening, substance abuse sensitisation, drug testing, and access to CNG-powered trucks through a partnership with the United Bank for Africa.
Eko Hot News reports that the initiatives were announced at the maiden Maritime Logistics Stakeholders’ Engagement held in Agidingbi, Ikeja, where the Governor was represented by the Special Adviser on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa.
Sanwo-Olu stated that the forum was created to enhance safety, welfare and sustainability within the haulage and freight ecosystem, providing a platform for government, unions, private operators and regulators to address sector challenges.
He encouraged truck operators to leverage the UBA credit facility to acquire new CNG trucks, stressing that improved safety compliance and environmental protection are priorities for the state.
Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the interventions reflect the administration’s drive to improve truckers’ welfare and reduce preventable accidents, describing the CNG transition as a significant step toward a greener Lagos.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Olawale Musa, outlined key focus areas of the engagement, including safety, sustainability, collaboration and improved welfare for truck drivers.
Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr Kayode Opeifa, urged stakeholders to embrace the reforms, warning that failure to adapt could render existing business models obsolete.
National President of NARTO, Alhaji Yusuf Lawal Othman, commended the State Government for the initiative and pledged operators’ commitment to supporting CNG adoption to boost economic output and environmental cleanliness.
Regional Manager of UBA, Ernest Omoreghe, confirmed the bank’s readiness to support operators through a ₦150 billion financing scheme, to be released in three phases for fleet renewal with modern and climate-friendly trucks.
