Sayari Dunia Sustainable Tourism Foundation applauds the Borno State Government, particularly Governor Zulum, for the commendable initiative of 107 electric/gas buses and taxis for a mass transit scheme.
This forward-thinking move not only contributes to sustainable transportation but is also perceived as a strategic response to mitigate the effects of fuel subsidy removal. Sayari Dunia encourages other sub-national entities to embrace similar green transition initiatives for a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
The fleet of vehicles that make up the mass transit scheme include 35 units of 30-seater gas-powered coaster buses, 12 units of 15-seater gas-powered Hummer buses, 10 units of 50-seater gas-powered mass transit buses, and 50 units of 4-seater electric-powered taxi vehicles.
Governor Zulum stated that the move was part of his administration’s metro transport scheme and to cushion the impact of the fuel subsidy removal.
According to the governor, the 107 vehicles were converted to use electricity and gas to help enhance the use of low-cost energy sources and cheap transportation.
How sustainable is this development?
However, the sustainability of electric and gas-powered vehicles in Borno State, given the current power situation in Nigeria, raises valid considerations. Nigeria has faced challenges in maintaining a consistent and reliable power supply across the country, and this can impact the feasibility of electric vehicles (EVs) in particular. Nigeria has the lowest access to electricity globally, with about 92 million out of the country’s more than 200 million population lacking access to power, according to the Energy Progress Report 2022 released by Tracking SDG 7.
For electric vehicles to thrive, a robust and stable electricity infrastructure is crucial. The success of EV adoption depends on the availability of charging infrastructure and reliable power grids. In areas where power outages are frequent, the practicality of electric vehicles may be hindered.
Gas-powered vehicles, on the other hand, may offer a more immediate and practical solution, given the existing infrastructure for compressed natural gas (CNG). CNG is relatively more accessible and can be a viable option for mass transit schemes. It is crucial to ensure that the infrastructure supporting gas-powered vehicles is well-maintained and expanded as needed.
The long-term sustainability of these initiatives will depend on a combination of factors, including advancements in power infrastructure, the effectiveness of maintenance programs, and the government’s commitment to promoting alternative energy sources. Continuous investment in the power sector, coupled with a strategic approach to integrating electric and gas-powered vehicles into the transportation system, will be key to ensuring the success and sustainability of these initiatives in Borno State and beyond.