In line with the UN SDG’s, experts have urged the Federal Government to address the pressing environmental challenges and promote economic development by prioritizing the adoption of sustainable transport solutions.

Ugoji Harry, the Chief Executive Officer of Egoras Technology, noted that the increase on the focus for climate change and air pollution, the adoption of sustainable transport options had become paramount.

“We urge the Federal Government to embrace sustainable transport solutions such as electric vehicles, public transportation systems, Compressed Natural Gas and cycling infrastructure to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change,” Harry noted.

The World Bank’s Climate Risk Country Profile for Nigeria, said the country has witnessed a rise of approximately 1°C in its mean temperature since the pre-industrial era.

Harry said, the Federal Government could play a great role in building a more resilient and environmentally responsible future.

He also revealed plans to roll out a blockchain-powered electric vehicle charging station, Egostation, and a homemade electric vehicle.

“Together, we can create a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for all. Recently, we announced plans to also launch the first ever made-in-Nigeria electric vehicle, the APEX 28 in April. This was manufactured at Egoras’ factory in Port Harcourt,” he stated.

Saidu Alkali, the Minister of Transportation, declared his plan in February to allocate budgetary resources aimed at fostering green technologies within the transportation sector.

The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative said N100bn under the palliative program had been earmarked to facilitate the deployment of CNG buses across the country in previous year.

The initiative said there is an ongoing commissioning of several CNG conversion centres in key States across the country including Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, Ogun, and Rivers.

Jaiyesimi Azeez, the Lagos Chairman of the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria, seek the state government assistance in converting their vehicles to CNG.

He said the conversion would contribute to environmental sustainability and also reduce operational costs for drivers.

Harry stressed that the high conversion costs, increased from N700,000 to N800,000 per vehicle, posed a significant barrier for many drivers.