- The Lagos State Government has begun developing a comprehensive policy to accelerate the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles across Lagos.
- The initiative aims to tackle congestion, air pollution, energy security risks and climate pressures while positioning the state as a regional green mobility hub.
The Lagos State Government has commenced work on a comprehensive policy framework to accelerate the transition to cleaner, more sustainable transport systems across Lagos.
The initiative was announced during an Inter-Ministerial Stakeholders’ Meeting on the Development of a Sustainable Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFV) Policy and Implementation Plan held at Alausa, Ikeja.
Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, said the policy is intended to address interconnected urban challenges including traffic congestion, air pollution, energy security vulnerabilities and climate change risks.
According to the state government, the policy aligns with existing strategic frameworks. These include the THEMES+ Agenda, the Lagos State Development Plan 2052 and the state’s Energy Transition Plan. The policy also supports global Sustainable Development Goals linked to clean energy, infrastructure, sustainable cities and climate action.
Ogunleye said the next phase of Lagos’ development requires practical and measurable implementation tools. He added that the AFV Policy and Implementation Framework will serve as a central delivery mechanism.
The proposed framework will establish regulatory and institutional structures. These structures will support the adoption of multiple clean propulsion technologies. They include electric vehicles, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, biofuels and other low-emission transport solutions.
The policy will also address key enabling ecosystem requirements. These include charging and refuelling infrastructure, safety and technical standards, and local manufacturing. The framework will also cover value addition, financing models, battery lifecycle management and monitoring systems.
Ogunleye described the inter-ministerial engagement as a deliberate step. He said the process will ensure policy alignment across government institutions. He added that the state will engage private sector players and civil society groups in later phases.
Participants identified several priority areas during the engagement. These include harmonising mandates across agencies and reducing regulatory fragmentation. They also identified the need to close implementation gaps and develop a coordinated roadmap for green mobility deployment.
Ogunleye said Lagos must act proactively to avoid long-term economic and environmental costs linked to fossil fuel dependence. He noted that Lagos serves as Nigeria’s commercial capital and one of the world’s fastest-growing megacities. He added that the AFV policy will position Lagos as a leading African hub for green mobility and clean transport innovation.
Private sector participants also highlighted the importance of market incentives and technology transfer. They also stressed the need for strong investment frameworks. Tree of Life Autoworld Ltd Chief Executive Officer Adebola Omotosho said enabling policies will help unlock private sector capital and accelerate adoption.
Stakeholders from ministries responsible for transport, environment, energy regulation, finance, justice, innovation and local content development reaffirmed their support for the initiative.
Participants agreed to begin structured co-creation of the AFV Policy and Implementation Framework. The process will include defined timelines, institutional responsibilities and a roadmap for wider stakeholder consultation.