In what appears to be a landmark step toward sustainable mobility, Chart Eco Global Services, in partnership with Ogata Global Resources, is facilitating an environmental milestone at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) – with a projected reduction of over 120 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by the end of 2025.
The initiative, launched in January 2025, is the result of a collaborative effort between Chart Eco Global Services, Ogata Global Resources, and the UNILAG, with the university providing an enabling environment for the transition to a cleaner transport system.
The UNILAG Electric Vehicle (EV) Initiative has been described as an example of how innovative partnerships can drive measurable climate action. In its first six months, the initiative operated with an initial fleet of 10 electric buses, covering more than 102,000 kilometres and achieving a carbon reduction of 16.78 metric tons of CO₂.
Following this success, 20 additional electric buses were introduced, bringing the total fleet to 30, with a projected annual mileage of 700,000 kilometres and a total reduction of approximately 124 metric tons of CO₂ by year-end 2025.
These emission savings are equivalent to planting and nurturing about 5,600 trees in a single year, underscoring the profound environmental benefit of transitioning from fossil-fuel vehicles to electric mobility.
Speaking on the progress, Chief Executive Officer of Chart Eco Global Services, Mr. Itunuoluwa Okusami, expressed delight over the measurable impact of the initiative:
“This project is a proof of concept for decarbonizing Nigeria’s heavily polluted transport sector. The amount of carbon we’ve prevented from entering the atmosphere is inspiring, but even more importantly, it shows that this model can be scaled across schools and communities nationwide to make an even bigger impact,” he said.
Chief Executive Officer of Ogata Global Resources, Mr. Henry Eke, noted that the initiative aligns with both environmental and economic needs:
“This initiative is timely, especially given the current economic realities. The electric buses provide a more affordable and sustainable transport option while contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment,” Eke stated.
Environmental expert, Dr. Okwong Walter of the TETFund Centre of Excellence in Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Management (TCEBCEM), UNILAG, verified the integrity of the emissions report and commended the university’s commitment to sustainability. He added that the initiative would significantly improve air quality in and around the campus.
The emissions data were calculated and verified by Chart Eco Global Services, a sustainability organisation that helps institutions reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by integrating cutting-edge decarbonisation solutions into their operations. The analysis adhered to internationally recognised standards, including the UK DEFRA, US EPA, and IPCC 2006 Guidelines, ensuring accuracy and global best practices.
The emissions tracking tool was based on the GHG Protocol for mobile combustion, developed by Clear Standards Incorporated in collaboration with the World Resources Institute (WRI), and reviewed by experts at TCEBCEM, UNILAG.
The promoters disclosed that, through the partnership, Chart Eco Global Services and Ogata Global Resources have demonstrated that with collaboration, innovation, and commitment, Nigeria’s transportation sector can take decisive steps toward sustainability. The University of Lagos continues to play a pivotal role by providing an enabling environment that supports groundbreaking initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – particularly Climate Action (SDG 13), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), and Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11).