The United Nations (UN) Global Compact Network Nigeria has recognized Oando Plc for its efforts in driving clean and efficient transportation solutions.
Transportation has been identified as a key contributing sector globally to annual carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, accounting for close to a third of emissions.
In Nigeria, transportation contributes a higher proportion of approximately 60 percent to carbon emissions.
Nigeria’s race to achieve net zero by 2060 can be accelerated by the ‘cleaning up’ of the country’s transport system through the deployment of sustainable transport solutions.
To this end, Oando Clean Energy Limited (OCEL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), the Lagos State Government Agency tasked with planning, implementing, regulating, and franchising sustainable integrated public transport in Lagos.
The MoU established a partnership between OCEL and Lagos State in its journey to becoming a sustainable city via the rollout of electric mass transit buses, supporting charging infrastructure and service centers (EV Infrastructure Ecosystem).
President of OCEL, Dr. Ainojie ‘Alex’ Irune said that the initiative is in recognition of the urgent need for electric vehicles to address transportation’s circa 60% contribution to Nigeria’s GHG emissions.
“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.”
The roll-out of the electric buses kicked off with a three-month Proof-Of-Concept (PoC) phase in May 2023 and was geared at assessing the viability of electric buses for mass transportation in Lagos.
This would be followed by a pilot phase with an expanded fleet and bus routes, and the eventual countrywide deployment of 12,000 buses creating employment for over 30,000 Nigerians.
According to OCEL, by day 50 of the PoC phase, the electric mass transit buses had transported 41,678 passengers, traveled a total of 22,129km, and mitigated over 29 tonnes (29,875kg) in CO2 emissions. Also, OCEL has trained 44 drivers and technicians (both male and female) during this phase.
“We are delighted to recognize Oando PLC for their efforts and exemplary leadership in driving clean and efficient transportation solutions,” said Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network Nigeria, Naomi Nwokolo.
“This initiative aligns with the UN Global Compact’s mandate to promote sustainable development, social progress, and environmental stewardship, especially Principle 8 of the UN Global Compact: ‘Businesses should undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility’,” she added.
Source: Nigerian Tribune
