By: A. A. Sadauki
sadaukie@gmail.com
As the globe tilted toward a cleaner society, Nigeria was not left behind. Last week, the approval of ₦58 billion by the Federal Executive Council for the procurement of 200 electric buses signaled more than a policy decision; it marked a statement of intent. It spoke to a country recognizing the urgent need to align with global efforts to cut emissions, modernize transport and secure a healthier future for its people. In a world increasingly shaped by climate concerns, Nigeria’s step into green mobility reflects both awareness of history and a desire for progress.
Across the world, transportation has long been a major contributor to environmental decline. According to global estimates, the transport sector accounts for nearly a quarter of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions, with road transport responsible for the largest share. For decades, cities grew around fossil-fuel vehicles, bringing convenience and economic growth but also air pollution, noise and rising health costs. The effects are visible today in congested urban centers, rising respiratory illnesses, as well as climate extremes that disrupt livelihoods. These realities have pushed governments and industries to rethink how people and goods move.
The idea of electric mobility is not entirely new. In fact, electric vehicles existed in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, competing briefly with steam and petrol-powered cars. They were quiet, clean and easy to operate, but limited battery technology and the discovery of cheap oil shifted the balance toward internal combustion engines. For much of the twentieth century, fossil fuels dominated transport, shaping economies and geopolitics. It was only toward the end of the century, as climate science matured and oil price shocks exposed vulnerabilities, that serious attention returned to electric transport.
In the last two decades, the pace of change has been striking. Countries in Europe, Asia, North America alike, have invested heavily in electric buses, cars and rail systems but it’s unfortunate in Nigeria, trucks are dilapidating not only interstates highways rather, in search of easy, motorable paths, heavy duty machines today ply even states and local roads, as occasioned by either luck jam or unmotorable state of our federal high ways.
Instead of the above perspectives, why not improve the rail lines, connect the major cities and create a good rail cargo network that will transport goods to various geographical zones of the polity so that road will be free from carbon emissions excreted by most trailers, improve the live span of our roads and save the maintenance costs by FERMA. At the same time let the states governments emulate the federal government by also securing the electric vehicles and if possible, bought affordable ones for civil servants as loans, with the view to improve healthy climate.
China, for instance, now operates hundreds of thousands of electric buses, transforming public transport in its major cities. Several European capitals have set timelines to phase out diesel buses, while smaller nations have adopted incentives that make electric vehicles a common sight on their roads. These changes are driven not only by environmental goals but also by economic logic, as renewable energy and battery costs continue to fall.
Africa’s journey has been more gradual, shaped by different priorities and constraints. Rapid urbanization, population growth and limited infrastructure have placed enormous pressure on transport systems. Many African cities rely on aging buses and informal transport networks that struggle to meet demand. Fuel imports drain foreign exchange, while poor air quality affects millions. In this context, green mobility offers both challenges and opportunities. It requires upfront investment and careful planning but it also promises long-term savings, cleaner cities, and new industries.
Nigeria stands at the center of this conversation, this is because even if electric machines are on ground today, yet roads are full of pot-holes and the political will to tar them is always the case. Close to a decade without rehabilitation and strategically as it is: Abuja-Kaduna-Kano, the only economic road linking to the South, is a clear example. However, as Africa’s most populous nation and one of its largest economies, Nigeria’s transport choices carry regional weight. Urban centers like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt face daily traffic congestion, high fuel consumption and worsening air pollution. For years, policy discussions focused on road expansion and fuel subsidies, solutions that offered short-term relief but did little to address underlying problems. The shift toward electric buses suggests a broader rethinking of mobility, one that looks beyond immediate pressures to long-term sustainability.
The approval of ₦58 billion for electric buses is significant not just in monetary terms but in symbolism. Public transport is often the backbone of urban mobility, carrying workers, students and traders every day. By choosing electric buses, the government is targeting a segment that can deliver visible impact quickly. Electric buses reduce tailpipe emissions to zero, cut noise levels and offer lower operating costs over time due to fewer moving parts and cheaper energy. For commuters, this can translate into smoother rides and cleaner air along busy corridors.
Globally, public transport electrification has shown measurable benefits. Cities that have adopted electric buses report reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and improvements in air quality within a few years. Health studies link these changes to fewer hospital visits and lower healthcare costs, especially among children and the elderly. While Nigeria’s 200 buses represent a small fraction of its overall fleet, they provide a foundation on which broader change can be built. Pilot projects often serve as learning platforms, helping authorities understand charging needs, maintenance requirements and user response.
History teaches that progress rarely happens overnight. The transition from horses to cars and later from analog to digital systems, unfolded over decades, shaped by trial, error and adaptation. Nigeria’s move into green mobility will follow a similar path. Challenges are inevitable, from power supply reliability to technical skills and financing. Yet these challenges are not unique and lessons from other countries can be adapted to local realities. Investments in charging infrastructure can be aligned with renewable energy projects, reducing strain on the grid while promoting energy security.
Beyond technology, green mobility carries social meaning. It reflects a desire for cities that work better for people, not just vehicles. Cleaner buses mean safer streets, quieter neighborhoods and a sense that public spaces matter. For young Nigerians, who make up a large share of the population, such initiatives signal hope and inclusion in a global movement toward sustainability. They suggest that development does not have to repeat the mistakes of the past, but can chart a smarter course.
Economically, the shift also opens doors. The global electric vehicle market is expanding rapidly, creating demand for manufacturing, assembly, software and maintenance services. With the right policies, Nigeria can position itself not just as a consumer but as a participant in this value chain. Local assembly of electric buses, training of technicians and partnerships with research institutions can stimulate jobs and innovation. Over time, this can reduce dependence on imports and build resilience in a changing global economy.
At its core, the move toward green mobility reflects a deeper desire for progress. It acknowledges that development in the twenty-first century must balance growth with responsibility. Nigeria’s history is marked by resilience and adaptation, from pre-colonial trade networks to post-independence nation-building. Each era demanded new responses to new realities. Today’s reality is a planet under strain and a population seeking better quality of life. The decision to invest in electric buses fits within this historical pattern of adjustment and ambition.
As the world continues its uneven but determined shift toward cleaner transport, Nigeria’s steps matter. They may begin with 200 buses, but they carry the weight of intention and possibility. In choosing green mobility, Nigeria aligns itself with a global story of learning from the past, confronting present challenges, and reaching toward a future where progress is measured not only by speed and scale, but by sustainability and shared well-being.
A. A. Tijjani (Sadauki)
Publisher, Apt-Crown Magazine
08033464986
