By Faridat Salifu
In a notable move towards contributing to Nigeria’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060, Oando Clean Energy, a leading Nigerian energy company, has unveiled its ambitious initiative to introduce 12,000 electric buses in the country.
The announcement was made during the ongoing climate change conference, COP28, in Dubai by Mr. Ademola Ogunbanjo, the Executive Vice President of Oando Clean Energy.
During his presentation titled “Aiding Nigeria’s Race to Net Zero by 2020,” Ogunbanjo emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to combat climate change.
He revealed that the company is set to commence the assembly of electric buses in Nigeria by 2026, following the successful completion of viability tests and an Environmental Impact Assessment for the project.
Furthermore, Ogunbanjo disclosed that Oando Clean Energy has already deployed two electric buses in Lagos, with plans to scale up to 50 buses out of the 2,000 earmarked for the state.
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He stressed the company’s firm stance on local assembly, stating, “The agenda is 2,000 buses for Lagos and 12,000 for Nigeria; it is imperative that we harness our local capacity for assembly rather than importing 12,000 buses into the country.”
Highlighting the significance of local capacity building, Ogunbanjo emphasized the necessity of collaboration between the private sector and the government to facilitate resource pooling and sustainable local development.
Acknowledging the critical role of energy consumption and transportation in greenhouse gas emissions, Ogunbanjo articulated the potential for sustainable transportation systems and wind energy projects to drive the decarbonization of Nigeria’s economy, furthering the country’s progress towards its Net Zero agenda by 2060.
Dr. Aionojie Irune, President of Oando Clean Energy, further reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the 2060 Net Zero target. He underscored the pivotal role of the company’s strategic initiatives in the transition from fossil fuel-based energy generation and transportation towards renewable-based energy systems.
Irune articulated the company’s dedication to making a substantial impact in supporting the government’s sustainable energy goals, particularly through the transition from diesel-operated to electric buses in Lagos.
The announcement by Oando Clean Energy marks a pivotal step towards fostering sustainable energy and transportation systems, signaling the company’s pivotal role in driving Nigeria’s energy transition agenda
He underscored that these initiatives are integral to the company’s broader agenda of shifting away from fossil fuel-based energy generation and transportation systems towards renewable energy alternatives.
