Oando Clean Energy Launches Electric Mass Transit Buses in Lagos, Driving Sustainable Transportation Solutions

Oando Clean Energy Limited (OCEL), the renewable energy subsidiary of Oando, Nigeria's leading energy solutions provider, officially launched its electric mass transit buses in collaboration with the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) on Tuesday, May 23. The inauguration took place at the Lagos Bus Services Limited (LBSL) Head Office in Illupeju, Lagos.

Transforming Public Transport for a Greener Future

This initiative is aimed at transforming the public transport system in Lagos State by establishing a path towards a carbon-free mobility ecosystem within the region. It has received widespread acclaim from stakeholders, as the electric buses offer a competitive, environmentally friendly alternative to the current mass transit buses powered by internal combustion engines.

During her opening statement, Engr. Abinbola Akinajo, the Managing Director of LAMATA, emphasized the significance of fostering Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), by Saying:

“This initiative is a major aspect of our vision for transportation in Lagos State, we are desirous of having a clean and efficient transportation system. Today’s event is proof of our desire to involve the private sector in our activities to give the average Lagosian the ability to meet their mobility needs. LAMATA is a multi-fuel transport regulatory agency for Lagos hence the partnership with OCEL for the use of EV buses in passenger operations.”

“From LAMATA’s perspective we are open to do business with the private sector whilst ensuring that these partners are aligned with the vision of Lagos state. I am elated that in just over a year that Oando Clean Energy came to us to discuss the possibility of working with us in the deployment of electric buses we have signed an MoU with a key deliverable being the implementation of a PoC that would allow us finally include electric buses in our ecosystem.”

Lagos: A City Embracing Sustainable Solutions

Lagos, the vibrant hub of sub-Saharan Africa, stands as the region's most populous city, teeming with over 20 million residents and continuing to grow. Over the past ten years, the number of vehicles navigating Lagos' bustling streets has skyrocketed, quadrupling in size. Presently, the state accommodates a fleet of over 3,000 mass transit buses, facilitating the mobility needs of its ever-expanding population.

As the population of Lagos continues to surge, projections indicate that it may reach a staggering 100 million residents by the year 2100. Consequently, the number of vehicles in the city is expected to follow suit, amplifying the transportation challenges and environmental impact. Currently, Lagos emits approximately 44,000kg of carbon dioxide equivalent per day, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable solutions to address these pressing issues. The city's escalating population, coupled with its substantial carbon footprint, position it as an ideal testing ground for the development and implementation of innovative technologies that promote sustainability and can be replicated throughout Africa.

Addressing Pollution and Health Challenges

Engineer Olalere Odusote, the Commissioner for Energy & Mineral Resources in Lagos State, echoed these concerns during the event, recognizing transportation as a primary source of pollutants and health problems within the state. He emphasized that the government views this initiative as a crucial step towards environmental cleanup, underscoring their commitment to tackling these issues alongside existing endeavors in the energy sector. By addressing the transportation-related challenges and promoting sustainable practices, the government aims to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for the residents of Lagos.

Acknowledging the pressing requirement to mitigate Nigeria's greenhouse gas emissions, which can be attributed to transportation accounting for 62% of the total, Dr. Ainojie 'Alex' Irune, the President/CEO of Oando Clean Energy Limited (OCEL), emphasized the significance of electric vehicles, saying:

“This is an opportunity for us to revolutionize 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.”

“This PoC facilitates the collection of the first sets of data points to support the development and deployment of EV for municipal and public transport on the continent. Our ambition together with Lagos state, is to set our sights on the future and chart a path for others to follow.”

“We have worked tirelessly to get here, and we are confident that the steps we are taking, which I must reiterate would not have been possible without the support of Lagos state, LAMATA, LBSL, Primero, and His Excellency, the Governor, who saw the vision and imperative of committing to this journey.”

Embarking on an exciting journey, the introduction of electric buses initiates with a pivotal three-month proof-of-concept phase. This crucial stage is meticulously designed to assess the feasibility and viability of electric vehicles for mass transportation within the vibrant landscape of Lagos State. The primary objective is to glean invaluable insights and knowledge that will serve as the bedrock for an expansive program, poised to encompass the entirety of the country.

Building upon the findings of the initial phase, a pilot phase will ensue, characterized by an expanded fleet of electric buses and an intricately designed network of bus routes. This phase serves as a dynamic testing ground, allowing for further refinement and optimization of the electric bus system, while addressing potential challenges and embracing opportunities for growth.

The culmination of this ambitious endeavor envisions the eventual nationwide deployment of electric buses, constituting a transformative step towards sustainable transportation solutions. Notably, this visionary initiative holds the promise of creating employment opportunities for over 30,000 diligent and talented Nigerians, contributing to the economic empowerment and prosperity of the nation as a whole.