Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: sustainability

  • Adoption of Electric Vehicles in Nigeria Surges by 400% Within Five Years

    Adoption of Electric Vehicles in Nigeria Surges by 400% Within Five Years

    Figures cited by The Guardian Nigeria indicate a monumental shift in Nigeria’s transport sector, with electric vehicle (EV) adoption growing by 400% over the last five years. Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, revealed these statistics, linking the surge to the high cost of petroleum and new green energy incentives.

    The state government is reportedly planning to expand the network of charging stations across the Lagos metropolis to support this transition. This move aligns with Nigeria’s broader commitment to reducing carbon emissions and diversifying the nation’s energy consumption patterns in urban centers.

    Punch Newspaper validated the trend, reporting that ‘Nigerians are increasingly pivoting to alternative energy’ as fuel prices remain volatile. BusinessDay also noted that ‘growing sports and entertainment events are shaping youth’ to embrace modern, sustainable lifestyles including EV technology.

    Echotitbits take: A 400% increase sounds impressive, but it starts from a very low base. For EVs to become mainstream, the government must fix the underlying electricity crisis; otherwise, these cars will just be expensive driveway ornaments during power outages.

    Source: The Guardian — https://guardian.ng/technology/electric-vehicles-nigerian-economy-and-business-opportunities/
    The Guardian January 3, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Guardian

  • Fidelity Bank Boosts Lagos Fire Response With Equipment Donation

    Fidelity Bank Boosts Lagos Fire Response With Equipment Donation

    Photo Credit: Vanguard
    2025-12-25 10:25:00

    Figures cited by Vanguard show Fidelity Bank donated fire-fighting equipment to the Federal Fire Service, Lagos Command (Zone J), as part of its corporate social responsibility support for emergency response capacity.

    The report says the donation was received by officials led by the Controller of the Fire Service in Lagos Command, with items aimed at strengthening operational readiness.

    In separate coverage, The Guardian reported that Fidelity’s support included essential firefighting and preventive equipment such as hoses and gasoline water pumps, describing it as part of its Fidelity Helping Hands Program.

    The Guardian also quoted a bank executive explaining the rationale, saying the donation reflects the bank’s dedication to strengthening emergency response and public safety within communities it serves.

    Echotitbits take: CSR donations help, but Lagos’ recurring fire incidents suggest a systemic equipment and infrastructure gap. Watch for whether this sparks a broader public-private coalition that standardises equipment support, training, and maintenance—rather than one-off headline gestures.

    Source: Vanguard — December 19, 2025 (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/12/fidelity-bank-donates-equipment-to-fire-service/)

    Vanguard 2025-12-19

  • Abia launches 20 electric buses as Okonjo-Iweala backs green transport push

    Abia launches 20 electric buses as Okonjo-Iweala backs green transport push

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-24 08:06:00

    In a report published by PUNCH, Abia State has launched the first batch of 20 electric buses for a green shuttle service, with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala joining Governor Alex Otti at the rollout.

    Officials say the programme aims to modernise urban mobility while reducing emissions and improving commuter experience, with deployment expected to be phased as systems mature.

    The major sustainability test is infrastructure—charging points, maintenance capacity, route discipline, and funding to keep the fleet operational beyond the initial headlines.

    Governor Otti said: “We are starting small. Not all 20 buses will be on the road at the same time… As we deploy them, we will learn, adjust and improve.” ARISE TV also quoted Okonjo-Iweala praising the move as “extraordinary.”

    Echotitbits take: This can become a credible model only if reliability is maintained. Watch for charging rollout, service frequency, fare policy, and whether the plan scales into Aba and other economic corridors.

    Source: The Punch— December 24, 2025 (https://punchng.com/okonjo-iweala-joins-otti-for-electric-buses-rollout-in-abia/)
    The Punch 2025-12-24

  • Nigeria Halts Wood Exports, Revokes Licences in New Anti-Deforestation Push

    Nigeria Halts Wood Exports, Revokes Licences in New Anti-Deforestation Push

    2025-12-18 00:00:00

    In a report by Punch, the Federal Government has imposed a ban on the export of wood and allied products while revoking relevant licences, citing forest depletion and environmental damage.

    The policy is positioned as a clampdown on unsustainable logging and a bid to curb deforestation, with authorities expected to tighten enforcement at ports and along known timber routes.

    Industry players will be watching whether government pairs the restrictions with traceability standards and incentives for legal forestry and replanting.

    BusinessDay reported that the government “revoked licences” and moved to halt exports in a bid to curb forest loss. (BusinessDay)

    Vanguard also reported the ban and framed it as part of a broader strategy to curb deforestation and environmental degradation. (Vanguard)

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Export bans can slow illegal extraction, but enforcement is the real test—especially with long supply chains linking rural loggers to coastal ports. Watch for compliance mechanisms, penalties, and whether legal timber producers get a clear pathway to operate sustainably.

    Source: Punch — December 18, 2025 (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/12/deforestation-fg-slams-total-ban-on-wood-export-revokes-all-existing-licenses/)

    Photo credit: Vanguard News