LAGOS/Nigeria: Lagos State is expanding its transition to cleaner public transportation with the introduction of additional electric buses by Oando Clean Energy Limited (OCEL), following the reported success of a pilot scheme that has transported nearly 788,000 passengers since its commencement.
The development, driven by Oando’s renewable energy subsidiary in partnership with the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), marks a new phase in efforts to reduce dependence on diesel-powered mass transit and promote electric mobility in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
The initial two electric buses, deployed in May 2023, have covered approximately 433,000 kilometres and avoided the consumption of about 216,000 litres of diesel, according to figures released by the company. The vehicles also recorded close to zero operational downtime.
In the first nine months of 2026, the pilot service recorded more than 212,000 passenger journeys, with an average capacity utilisation of 73 per cent.
The latest expansion includes 11 additional electric buses, representing the first batch of a planned 50-bus deployment under the current phase of the partnership. The longer-term programme envisages the introduction of up to 552 electric buses across Lagos State.
Speaking at the launch, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the initiative was consistent with the state’s ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
He said the introduction of electric buses was part of a broader effort to reduce transport-related emissions, improve air quality and develop a public transportation system capable of meeting the needs of a growing urban population.
Managing Director of LAMATA, Engr. Abimbola Akinajo, said the experience gathered from operating the initial buses over more than two years provided useful information for the expansion.
She stressed that the effectiveness of the programme should ultimately be assessed through service quality and its impact on commuters rather than simply the number of vehicles introduced.
President and Chief Executive Officer of OCEL, Ademola Ogunbanjo, said the company was moving beyond the experimental stage of electric mobility after gathering operational experience from the pilot project.
He explained that the company’s strategy extended beyond supplying electric vehicles to developing the supporting infrastructure required to sustain their operations.
According to him, the proposed ecosystem includes charging facilities, after-sales services, technical training, spare-parts distribution and local vehicle assembly.
Ogunbanjo said the company had obtained a licence for local vehicle assembly, describing the development as an opportunity to move from importing electric vehicles towards building domestic capacity in the emerging industry.
The Bank of Industry also expressed support for the initiative, with its Divisional Head of Infrastructure Finance, Ibitoru Olutoyin Ubosi, representing the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Olasupo Olusi, at the launch.
Ubosi said investments in cleaner mass transportation were important to economic growth because efficient transport systems connect people with employment, businesses, markets and other opportunities.
She noted that improving the reliability and environmental performance of public transportation could contribute to economic competitiveness and the welfare of citizens.
Similarly, Yutong West Africa Country Account Manager, Damian Li, said the manufacturer would support the programme through charging infrastructure, after-sales services, mechanic training and spare-parts supply.
The buses, manufactured by Yutong, are designed to accommodate 79 passengers, comprising 39 seated and 40 standing commuters.
Their facilities include air conditioning, onboard Wi-Fi, 360-degree camera systems, wheelchair accessibility and priority seating for elderly passengers.
The new vehicles are expected to operate under LAMATA’s supervision on behalf of the Lagos State Government, with the fourth quarter of 2026 identified as the commencement period for their deployment.
The expansion represents another development in Lagos State’s efforts to modernise its mass transit system, although the long-term success of the programme will depend on the reliability of charging infrastructure, maintenance capacity, operational costs and the ability to sustain the service as the fleet grows.
