Oando, Lagos Government Launch Electric Buses After 788,000 Passenger Trips
The rollout, undertaken through the company’s e-mobility partnership with the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), marks the transition from the pilot phase to full deployment as part of efforts to reduce emissions from public transportation.
According to a statement by Oando PLC on Wednesday, the two buses have covered 433,000 kilometres, avoided the consumption of approximately 216,000 litres of diesel and recorded close to zero downtime since their introduction.
In the first nine months of 2026 alone, the buses recorded more than 212,000 passenger journeys, with an average capacity utilisation of 73 per cent.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the initiative supported the state’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
He said the introduction of electric buses demonstrated the government’s commitment to reducing transportation-related emissions, improving air quality and developing a sustainable public transport system.
The Managing Director of LAMATA, Abimbola Akinajo, said the more than two years of operational data from the pilot programme would guide the wider deployment.
She stressed that the success of the initiative should be measured by service quality and its impact on the commuting experience of Lagos residents rather than the number of electric buses introduced.
Also speaking, President and Chief Executive Officer of Oando Clean Energy Limited, Ademola Ogunbanjo, said the company had gathered sufficient operational experience to move from proof-of-concept to full deployment.
He said the company was developing an electric mobility ecosystem that would include charging infrastructure, after-sales services, technical training, spare parts supply and local vehicle assembly.
Ogunbanjo said the company had obtained a licence for local vehicle assembly, adding that the initiative was designed to move Nigeria beyond electric vehicle imports towards developing a domestic industry.
Representing the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Olasupo Olusi, the bank’s Divisional Head, Infrastructure Finance, Ibitoru Olutoyin Ubosi, said the investment aligned with its mandate to support economic growth.
She noted that reliable and cleaner transportation was essential to connecting people with jobs, businesses, markets and economic opportunities.
Meanwhile, Damian Li, Country Account Manager, Yutong West Africa, said the company would support the project with charging facilities, after-sales services, mechanic training and spare parts supply.
The buses, manufactured by Yutong, are equipped with air conditioning, onboard Wi-Fi, 360-degree cameras, wheelchair access and priority seating for elderly passengers.
Each bus has a capacity of 79 passengers, comprising 39 seated and 40 standing.
The new buses are expected to commence commercial operations in the fourth quarter of 2026, with LAMATA managing the service on behalf of the Lagos State Government.
