Oando Clean Energy Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), the Lagos State Government agency responsible for planning, implementing, regulating, and franchising sustainable integrated public transport in Lagos. The MoU establishes a partnership between Oando Clean Energy and Lagos State in her mission to become a sustainable city through the provision of electric mass transit buses, supporting charging infrastructure, and service centres (EV Infrastructure Ecosystem).
Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, the Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos State said at the MoU signing ceremony that the agreement represents the State Government’s commitment to cutting greenhouse gases by replacing them with cleaner sources of energy.
“With an understanding that transportation is a key emitter of greenhouse gases in Nigeria, we developed a strategy to cut greenhouse gases by 50%. A key component of this strategy was identifying and developing a more robust mass transit system for Lagos 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 transit 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,” Frederic Oladeinde added.
Also, Engr. Abimbola Akinajo, the Managing Director of LAMATA, said:
“This initiative will not only accelerate the Government’s transportation agenda, but also positively impact the health of Lagosians and the environment. The magnitude of its impact is far-reaching, and when you start to look at it as more than a transport initiative, you will see how laudable a project it is. 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.”
Adewale Tinubu, the Chairman of Oando Clean Energy who was represented by Dr. Ainojie ‘Alex’ Irune said:
“We are excited to be embarking on this journey with Lagos State and must 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 and giving other cities the impetus to redefine today how to build a public transport system for the future.”
This partnership between LAMATA and Oando Clean Energy will enable the successful fulfillment of the objectives of the Lagos State Government towards the attainment of a sustainable road transport system in the State. It will also bridge the existing gap in available mass transit buses for the increasing number of Lagos commuters.
