Oando Plc, a leading Nigerian energy company, has announced plans to introduce 5,000 electric buses for public transportation in Lagos, in partnership with the Lagos State Government. Group Chief Executive Officer, Wale Tinubu, revealed this during an interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, marking a critical step in the company’s commitment to clean energy solutions.
The initiative aligns with Oando’s broader “just energy transition” strategy, aimed at balancing the continent’s energy needs with environmental sustainability. Tinubu emphasized that this move addresses two key issues: improving public transportation efficiency and contributing to the global decarbonization agenda.
Bridging the Gap Between Energy Poverty and Sustainability
Tinubu highlighted Africa’s unique position in the global climate change dialogue, noting that the continent contributes only 3% of global emissions but disproportionately suffers the consequences. He argued that while Africa cannot afford to abandon its fossil fuel reserves, it must strategically integrate cleaner energy solutions like electric vehicles (EVs) to address energy poverty.
“The arguments for decarbonization are as important as the arguments for a just transition,” Tinubu stated. He stressed the need to prioritize energy access for the 45% of Africans lacking electricity while using transitional fuels such as natural gas to power cleaner energy initiatives, including EVs.
Transforming Public Transportation in Lagos
Oando’s electric bus deployment is part of its effort to reduce emissions from public transportation, which contributes 10% of global carbon emissions. Tinubu explained that transitioning Nigeria’s bus system from diesel and petrol engines to electric vehicles could cut emissions by 5% almost immediately.
To support this initiative, Oando plans to use natural gas as a transitional fuel to generate electricity for the EVs. Tinubu described the pilot project in Lagos as a model for scaling similar programs across other Nigerian cities.
Innovation Through Artificial Intelligence
In addition to clean energy, Oando is exploring advanced technologies to enhance its operations. Tinubu disclosed plans to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) in its next oil drilling campaign, leveraging AI to improve decision-making, optimize resource utilization, and cut costs.
“AI is a game-changer. It allows us to simulate multiple scenarios and make more informed decisions, particularly in cost-sensitive operations like drilling,” Tinubu said.
Reinforcing Oando’s Industry Leadership
This announcement follows Oando’s acquisition of Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) in 2024, a $783 million deal that significantly increased the company’s oil and gas reserves. Earlier in 2025, its subsidiary, Oando Energy Resources, secured operatorship of Block KON 13 in Angola’s Kwanza Basin, further solidifying its position as a major player in Africa’s energy sector.
With the deployment of electric buses and the integration of advanced technologies, Oando is setting a precedent for balancing energy transition with economic development.
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