Nigeria’s Push for Electric Buses: A Promising Endeavour

In response to the escalating costs of transportation in Nigeria, both the federal and state governments are actively working to introduce electric buses across the country. The latest development in this initiative is in Edo State, where a partnership with Oando Clean Energy Limited has been established to commence the deployment of electric buses in 2024.

Ojeifoh Enaholo, the commissioner for Mining and Energy, revealed that the electric bus scheme will be executed in phases, commencing with the rollout of five buses. Similarly, Borno State has also taken strides towards embracing electric buses, with electric city buses already in operation transporting passengers across Maiduguri. This deployment has been facilitated through a collaboration between African Motor Works (AMW) and the state government. However, the company has encountered challenges in expanding its fleet due to the high costs associated with importing equipment for maintenance of the electric vehicles.

Additionally, the federal government and Lagos state have joined the electric bus movement by forming a partnership with Oando Clean Energy Limited to implement the deployment of electric buses and other transport infrastructure systems. The first set of electric buses for the scheme has already been delivered in Lagos, signaling a significant shift towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation solutions.

The increasing investments and focus on electric buses are driven by the potential for reduced operational costs over time, resulting in a substantial decrease in transportation expenses. Gbenga Faleye, CEO of SAGLEV, highlighted the considerable potential for electric vehicles in Nigeria, particularly in light of the high costs of petrol and diesel. This underscores a growing interest in and demand for electric vehicles, with the goal of establishing a more sustainable and cost-effective mode of transportation.

In view of the benefits of electric vehicles, experts are advocating for localized assembly to mitigate the high costs of importing electric vehicles. This approach is in line with the Nigerian National Automotive Industry Development Plan, presenting a viable solution to enhance the affordability of electric vehicles for Nigerians. While the government’s efforts to create policies supporting investments in electric vehicles are acknowledged, the effective implementation of these policies remains a significant challenge.

Ultimately, the pursuit of electric buses in Nigeria signifies a promising endeavour towards addressing the escalating costs of transportation while embracing sustainable solutions. As the nation continues to navigate the obstacles associated with adopting electric buses, the commitment of policymakers and industry players to overcome these challenges heralds a new era of greener and more efficient transportation alternatives for Nigerians.