In line with its mission to provide Smart and Sustainable Bus Transportation Solutions to meet the needs of a modern city, the Lagos State Government on Wednesday unveiled plans to fully achieve a carbon-neutral status across its transportation system by 2035.
The Chairman Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Transportation, Honourable Temitope Adewale, OON, made this known during the second phase of events commemorating the fifth anniversary celebrations of Lagos Bus Services Ltd. (LBSL) and commissioning of a sick bay for the Company’s staff at LBSL premises, Oshodi.
He expressed the intention of LBSL to achieve a carbon-neutral status across all its assets by 2035, saying the ambitious goal will be pursued through the adoption of cleaner technologies such as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric buses, advanced route optimisation, and the reduction of unnecessary emissions from dead mileage and idling.
Adewale said the policy would create a smart transportation system that is not only efficient and reliable but also sustainable and resilient, adding that the waste management strategies will ensure efficient resource utilisation and adherence to environmental regulations, which include the recycling of hazardous wastes and conservation of water resources in vehicle maintenance.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi noted that the successful implementation of the policy will require meticulous planning, phased execution, and continuous review, noting that specific objectives and timelines have been established for regular monitoring and reporting.
Revealing that the office will allocate at least 5% of the revenue to business continuity and sustainable plans, demonstrating financial commitment to the initiatives, Osiyemi maintained that the Sustainability Policy represents a significant milestone in the journey of the State towards a greener and more sustainable future by integrating environmental, social and governance principles into every aspect of operation that would improve the overall well-being of the State and the country at large.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, on his part, said the state is operating a multimodal transportation system that is designed to move people in a mass with a wide range of choices, which include road, water, and rail transportation that is seamless and affordable.
While acknowledging the large volume of passengers the LBSL conveys on a daily basis and its efforts to ensure the residents enjoy a smooth ride get to their destinations safely, Giwa, however, averred that the adoption of carbon neutrality policy would strengthen the effectiveness and efficiency of the transportation system and create an eco-friendly environment for the residents.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Olawale Musa, noted that the successful implementation of the policy will require meticulous planning, phased execution, and continuous review, saying specific objectives and timelines have been established for regular monitoring and reporting.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Engr. Abimbola Akinajo, commended the organisation for its sustainability policy. She praised LBSL for its achievements within five years, demonstrating the commitment of its staff.
Earlier in his address, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LBSL, Mr. Idowu Oguntona commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support towards the achievements of the Company, saying LBSL has grown into a symbol of excellence in the transportation industry.
He attributed the achievements of the company in the last five years to hard work and the right attitude to work exhibited by the members of staff, stressing that employees’ dedication and commitment to excellence are the driving force behind the success of LBSL.
While speaking on the newly established state-of-the-art sick bay, the Managing Director averred that the facility underscores the Company’s commitment to the welfare of the employees. He, however, charged the employees to keep up the good work as the office would always appreciate their commitment and dedication.
