The Federal Government has announced Nigeria's forthcoming deployment of 100 electric buses, marking a pivotal move towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.
President Tinubu underscored the country's commitment to substantially reducing its carbon footprint and modernizing its transportation systems.
The announcement was made during a meeting with stakeholders and investors in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, as detailed by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Presidential Spokesman, in a statement released in Abuja.
Tinubu addressed the Nigeria Carbon Market and Electric Buses Rollout Programme during the COP28 Climate Summit's Sidelines.
Tinubu articulated that this initiative is a key component of a broader strategy to establish Nigeria and Africa as green manufacturing and industrialization leaders, in order to positioning natural gas as a transitional fuel, complemented by various renewable energy sources.
He said: “This initiative stands as a testament to our dedication to environmental stewardship as clearly exemplified through our collaboration with the Africa Carbon Market Initiative. Our visionary plan is a strategic guidepost, directing Nigeria towards becoming an investment-friendly destination for carbon market investments”.
“We recognize the imperative of fostering an environment that not only attracts investment but also upholds standardized and sustainable industrial practices.”
The transition to electric vehicles forms part of the Federal Government's post-subsidy strategies to address the consequences of rising petrol prices.
Additionally, the government signaled its willingness to collaborate with the private sector, aiming to facilitate the accessibility and affordability of Electric Vehicles (EVs) for the Nigerian population. Pursuing this transformative vision, the President disclosed the appointment of two co-Chairs for the Nigeria Carbon Market Activation Plan.
These appointees are Zacch Adedeji, the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and Dahiru Salisu, the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC).
Tinubu assured potential investors that this initiative extends beyond a mere pilot project status.
