Oando Plc has inked a pivotal deal with the Cross River State Government to establish an electric vehicle (EV) assembly plant focused on producing electric-powered mass transportation vehicles. The agreement materialized during the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), known as COP28, hosted in Dubai, UAE—an annual international climate summit where global leaders converge to devise solutions for climate change.
This milestone emerged as an outcome of a side event organized by Oando Clean Energy (OCEL), the renewable energy arm of Oando Energy Resources, a subsidiary of the Oando PLC Group. Aligned with the COP28 theme, “The time for promises is past; the time for action is now,” the event unfolded at the Nigeria pavilion, showcasing the company’s clean energy initiatives and its contribution to the government’s pursuit of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Cross River State Government encompasses the rollout of electric vehicles for mass transit, the establishment of an EV assembly plant to generate local employment, and the construction of a 100MW wind plant for power generation. OCEL, at the event, highlighted their achievements across Sustainable Transport, Waste to Value, Wind, Geothermal, and Solar projects.
Senator Prince Bassey Otu, representing the Governor of Cross River State at the MOU signing, praised the agreement as a significant step towards a cleaner and more sustainable future. He emphasized the transition of the state’s mass transit system to cleaner fuels and the utilization of wind resources for electrification.
OCEL’s president/CEO, Dr. Ainojie Irune, expressed commitment to facilitating a seamless transition to a cleaner energy future. He emphasized the company’s nationwide scope and the gradual creation of a cleaner, more viable energy ecosystem for Nigeria.
The audience at the pavilion applauded the successful outcomes from the 90-day Proof of Concept (PoC) phase of electric mass transit buses deployed in Lagos State. The PoC demonstrated impressive results, covering over 43,800 kilometers, transporting over 73,000 passengers, saving 21,000 liters of diesel, and reducing 57.8 tons of CO2 emissions. This success paved the way for the progression to the pilot phase.
Notable attendees at the side event included the Honourable Minister of the Niger Delta, Engr Abubakar Momoh; Honourable Minister of the Environment, Abbas Lawal Balarabe; Honourable Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Kunle Salako; director general of the National Climate Change Commission (NCCC), Dr. Salisu Dahiru, and Cross River State Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Oden Ewa.
COP28, with over 70,000 delegates from 197 countries, aims to build consensus and facilitate progress on climate action, with a focus on practical energy solutions for vulnerable communities. Oando Clean Energy stands out among private sector players actively participating in this pivotal event.
