Lagos Bars New Diesel Buses, Targets Electric Public Transport

Lagos Bars New Diesel Buses, Targets Electric Public Transport

Lagos State has stopped accepting new diesel-powered buses into its regulated public transport system as the government begins a gradual shift towards compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicles.

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) said the policy took effect at the beginning of 2026. Under the new directive, operators introducing buses into the regulated network must use either CNG-powered or electric vehicles, while existing diesel buses will be phased out progressively.

The policy comes as Lagos continues to expand its cleaner public transport fleet. The state recently received 20 additional high-capacity CNG buses under the Presidential Initiative on CNG and Electric Vehicles.

The Federal Government also confirmed the deployment of 35 additional buses to Lagos under the initiative, comprising 15 CNG buses and 20 electric buses, to expand the LAMATA network.

Speaking on the transition, LAMATA Managing Director Abimbola Akinajo said the move was driven by both environmental concerns and the rising cost of operating diesel-powered buses.

According to LAMATA, diesel prices have increased from about N950 per litre to between N1,950 and N2,100 per litre, significantly raising the cost of running conventional buses.

The authority said the adoption of CNG and electric buses could help operators reduce operating costs while limiting pressure to increase regulated transport fares.

LAMATA currently operates about 150 CNG buses, alongside high- and medium-capacity electric buses. The authority’s long-term ambition is to transition the regulated public transport system entirely to electric propulsion, in line with Lagos State’s broader commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

For a city with millions of daily commuters and one of Africa’s largest urban transport networks, the transition could significantly reshape how residents move across Lagos.

However, the shift also presents practical challenges. Expanding electric public transport at scale will require reliable charging infrastructure, while CNG adoption will depend on adequate refuelling facilities and consistent gas supply.

The bigger question, therefore, is whether Lagos can build the infrastructure needed quickly enough to make cleaner buses not only available, but reliable and affordable for the millions of commuters who depend on public transport every day.

Blessing Anolaba
Editorial & Creative Correspondent
A storyteller and journalist passionate about telling stories for policy change and impact.