Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, in collaboration with Oando, have birthed a new initiative; one to provide electric buses for residents of the state.
The Memorandum of Understanding which was signed last Thursday, 2nd June, 2022 establishes a partnership between Oando Clean Energy Limited, the renewable energy business of Oando, and Lagos State.
This in a bid to becoming a sustainable city through the rollout of electric mass transit buses; supporting charging infrastructure and service centres.
According to a statement by the company, the partnership would form part of several interventions, such as the Lagos state blue and red rail, that would set the tone for the gradual decarbonisation of the road transport sector by Lagos State.
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Managing Director, LAMATA, Abimbola Akinajo, stated:
Oando Clean Energy came to us with a comprehensive solution. One that went beyond electric mass transit buses to include supporting infrastructure; and this was key for us, as the full remit of an EV support ecosystem is the only way to achieve success. This initiative will not only accelerate the Government’s transportation agenda, but also positively impact the health of Lagosians and the environment.
The Oando brand comes with know-how and experience. And we are relying on this to successfully move from MoU signing to actual implementation that will in the medium to long term benefit over 22 million Lagos commuters. We look forward to a very robust and fruitful partnership.
On his part, Chairman, Oando Clean Energy, Adewale Tinubu, said:
We are excited to be embarking on this journey with Lagos State. We must also commend their foresight and willingness to forge a template for others to follow. It’s easy to be perturbed by the perceived challenges that come with the mega-city status tag; but by taking this bold step, Lagos is showing the continent what is indeed possible. It is likewise giving other cities the impetus to redefine today how to build a public transport system for the future.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Transport, Lagos State, Dr. Fred Oladeyinde posited:
With an understanding that transportation is a key emitter of greenhouse gases in Nigeria, we developed a strategy to cut greenhouse gases by 50 percent. A key component of this strategy was identifying and also developing a more robust mass transit system for Lagos. One that would include rail and waterways amongst others. Using electricity to power mass transit is a step in the right direction; and from there we would gradually transition to private cars.
This is just the beginning, there is still a lot more to come on stream. I commend LAMATA and Oando on this MoU signing. And both parties can be rest assured that they have my full backing to ensure success.
