A Nigerian clean energy company and the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) have launched the first phase of its sustainable transport initiative aimed at a carbon free mobility ecosystem within the state.
The initiative, will see Oando Clean Energy Limited introducing electric buses to LAMATA’s current fleet of buses. Oando said this is to support the transformation of the state’s public transport system.
“The roll-out of the electric buses kicks off with a three-month Proof-Of-Concept (PoC) phase, aimed at establishing the viability of electric vehicles for mass transportation in Lagos State.
“This will be followed by a pilot phase with an expanded fleet and bus routes, and the eventual countrywide deployment creating employment for over 30,000 Nigerians.”
LAMATA managing director Abimbola Akinoja said the initiative is “a major aspect of our vision for transportation in Lagos State, we are desirous of having a clean and efficient transportation system.”
“To ensure seamless operations, the company has installed charging stations at each bus depot that guarantee the buses get a full charge every day.”
Commissioner for Energy & Mineral Resources Olalere Odusote, said that Lagos takes up less than 0.4% of Nigeria’s landmass, but plays host to 12% of Nigerians.
“That should tell you that this is indeed a crowded city, it is also the smallest state in Nigeria, yet the most populous. A lot of the problems we have today are due to the poor environment.”
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In recognition of the urgent need for electric vehicles to address transportation’s 62% contribution to Nigeria’s GHG emissions, Oando CEO Ainojie ‘Alex’ Irune, said: “This is an opportunity for us to revolutionise mobility in our country as well as build local capacity for the renewable and clean energy ecosystem.
“Whilst today these buses have come from across the world, in the very near future they will be produced here in Nigeria.
“In the very near future, we will have a multitude of locally trained engineers who are capable of operating, maintaining and servicing these buses and other renewable energy assets. We see these buses as a first step.”
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