In a formal ceremony held at the Lagos Bus Services Limited (LBSL) Head Office, Illupeju, Lagos, on Tuesday, May 23, Oando Clean Energy Limited (OCEL), the renewable energy division of Oando, Nigeria’s top provider of energy solutions, and the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) marked the official start of operations of its electric mass transit buses.
All stakeholders applauded the initiative, which aimed to transform the public transportation system in Lagos State by creating a path to a carbon-free mobility ecosystem there. The EV buses will offer a practical, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to the current internal combustion engine mass transit buses.
Lagos, with a population of over 20 million and a growing, is the most populated metropolis in sub-Saharan Africa. Over 3,000 mass transit buses operate in the state, and the number of vehicles on Lagos’ highways has increased fourfold in the last ten years.
The number of automobiles will increase along with the population, which is predicted to reach 100 million people by 2100. The current contribution from Lagos is 44,000 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent per day. These factors, among others, make it an ideal location for the development of sustainable technology that can be applied throughout Africa.
In order to ensure that the buses are constantly fully charged, OCEL has invested in and installed charging stations in bus depots. The drivers have also received comprehensive instruction on how to operate and maintain the buses.
This project serves as an example of Oando’s dedication to helping Nigeria meet her ambitious goal of going net-zero by 2060, as well as Lagos State’s dedication to going net-zero by 2050. The company is actively assisting in the creation of a strong EV infrastructure ecosystem in Lagos State as a result of its strategic engagement with LAMATA, underscoring the significance of public and private sector collaborations in reaching a nation that is carbon free.
