Brace Up, Lagosians? State Moves to Expand Electric Transportation

Kehinde Adeleye

Are Lagosians ready to brace up for a future where electric cars and buses become a major part of transportation across the state?

The question is becoming increasingly relevant as the Lagos State Government seeks stronger collaboration with Japan to expand electric powered public transportation, develop technology and create new opportunities for young people.

Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu, represented by his Deputy, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, raised the issue on Friday when he received Japan’s Assistant Minister and Director General for African Affairs, Ms Takahashi Misako, during a courtesy visit in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Sanwo Olu said Lagos’ huge population and limited landmass made an efficient mass transportation system essential to the state’s economic development. He therefore called on Japanese authorities and companies to explore opportunities to support the deployment of high capacity electric buses across Lagos.

“What can we do to get electric buses? How do we get our people to move around freely?” the governor asked.

Beyond transportation, the governor also sought stronger Japanese collaboration in emerging technology sectors such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and robotics.

According to him, partnerships in these areas could promote technology transfer while equipping young Lagos residents with skills needed to compete in the future economy.

Sanwo Olu also called for greater cultural exchanges between Lagos and Japan, particularly in music and the creative industry, while encouraging Japanese businesses to deepen their presence in Lagos.

Speaking earlier, Misako said Japan was interested in expanding its partnership with Nigeria, particularly Lagos, through technology transfer, skills development and investment.

She disclosed that about 57 major Japanese companies currently operate in Lagos, with some maintaining manufacturing facilities in the state.

Misako also revealed that the planned Japan Nigeria Business Facilitation Council meeting scheduled to hold in Lagos in October would provide another opportunity to strengthen economic relations between Nigeria and Japan.

Lagos has already taken steps towards electric public transportation. The state received its first electric mass transit buses in 2023 through a partnership involving the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority and Oando Clean Energy Limited.

With the latest discussions with Japan, Lagos could be positioning itself for a broader electric transportation revolution.

But beyond the buses, the bigger question remains: are Lagosians ready to embrace electric cars as part of the state’s transportation future?