Get Guardian on GoogleOando Clean Energy Limited (OCEL), the renewable energy subsidiary of Oando Energy Resources, has commenced the full deployment of electric buses in Lagos after its two-bus pilot scheme avoided the use of about 216,000 litres of diesel and covered 433,000 kilometres.
The deployment, undertaken in partnership with the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), marks the transition from the proof-of-concept phase to full implementation of the company’s electric mobility initiative with the Lagos State Government.
Since their deployment, the two buses have carried about 788,000 passengers, covered 433,000 km and avoided roughly 216,000 litres of diesel, with close to zero downtime. In the first nine months of 2026 alone, the service recorded more than 212,000 passenger journeys at 73% average capacity utilisation.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the buses support the state’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
“This is more than the introduction of new buses. It is a practical demonstration of our commitment to reducing transportation-related emissions, improving air quality, and building a public transport system that serves both present and future generations.”
The Managing Director of LAMATA, Engr. (Mrs) Abimbola Akinajo, welcomed the delivery and pointed to the more than two years of operating data from the proof-of-concept phase.
She said, “Ultimately, the success of this initiative will not be measured by the number of electric buses introduced, but by the quality of service they provide and the positive impact they make on the community experience of Lagos residents.
President and Chief Executive Officer of Oando Clean Energy Limited, Ademola Ogunbanjo, said the company had gathered the operational experience required to move from the pilot phase to full deployment.
“We have done the work, gathered the data, and built the practical experience required to move confidently from proof-of-concept to deployment. Our objective is not merely to encourage Nigerians to adopt electric vehicles, but to demonstrate through practical experience that electric mobility can work efficiently, reliably, and sustainably in our environment.”
Ogunbanjo said OCEL was building a full e-mobility ecosystem comprising charging infrastructure, after-sales service, technical training, a spare parts supply chain and local vehicle assembly, which the company is now licensed to do.
“This is how we move beyond importing electric vehicles to building an industry,” he said. “If it can work in Lagos, it can work anywhere in Nigeria.”
Speaking on behalf of Dr. Olasupo Olusi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Industry, the bank’s Divisional Head, Infrastructure Finance, Ibitoru Olutoyin Ubosi, said the investment was in line with the bank’s mandate to drive economic growth.
“Transportation connects people to jobs, to businesses, to markets, and to opportunities. The quality of our transportation systems therefore has a direct bearing on our economic competitiveness and the well-being of our citizens. Investing in cleaner, reliable mass transit is an investment in both.”
Country Account Manager, Yutong West Africa, Damian Li, said the introduction of the buses marked a step towards expanding green public transportation in Lagos and Nigeria.
“Electric buses are already running in the UK, South America, Europe and the Middle East. Now they are right here in Lagos. This is much more than handing over buses. It is the start of a green public transport future for Lagos and Nigeria.”
He said Yutong would support charging, after-sales service, mechanic training and the supply of spare parts.
For Lagos commuters, the buses offer air conditioning, onboard Wi-Fi, 360-degree cameras, wheelchair access and priority seating for elderly passengers. Each journey also builds clean mobility awareness among Lagosians, showing that public transport can be modern, reliable and good for the environment.
Each Yutong-built bus carries up to 79 passengers, with 39 seated and 40 standing.
The new buses are expected to enter service in the fourth quarter of 2026, with LAMATA operating them on behalf of the Lagos State Government.
