The Lagos Bus Services Ltd. (LBSL) has unveiled a policy to reduce carbon footprint of its mass transit system and ensure a greener and more sustainable future.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LBSL, Mr Idowu Oguntona, made this known at the fifth anniversary of the organisation’s existence, on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in Lagos.
Oguntona said that the LBSL Sustainability Policy was a strategic framework developed on the Lagos State Climate Action Plan and Lagos State Transport Policy.
According to Oguntona, the policy represents a significant milestone in the organisation’s journey toward a greener and more sustainable future.
“By integrating environmental, social and governance principles into every aspect of our operations, we are not only enhancing the quality of our services but also contributing to the overall well-being of our dear Lagos State and Nigeria at large.
“Currently, the transport sector is responsible for generating about 20 per cent of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions.
“In response to this challenge, we are determined to lead by example in reducing the carbon footprint of our bus mass transit system,” he said.
He said that the policy was driven by the organisation’s mission statement – to provide smart and sustainable bus transportation solutions to meet the needs of a modern city.
He added that the organisation introduced a state-of-the-art sick bay which reflected its dedication to the health and well-being of employees.
He said that some achievements that had shaped LBSL’s path included more than 52 million passengers and over 27 million kilometres coverage across over 30 routes.
“Our driver training academy has produced over 1,862 graduates,” he said.
The managing director said that LBSL had a total of 850 employees, of which 216 had spent more than five years with the company.
Mrs Abimbola Akinajo, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), which is LBSL’s regulator, applauded the organisation for the policy.
Akinajo said that Lagos believed in sustainability of the transport sector.
She said that the achievement of LBSL within five years demonstrated the commitment of its staff.
“As your regulator, we see what you do, and we can say that the LBSL is the one that carries the largest number of passengers daily in Lagos.
“You are doing something right that we are proud of, Lagos residents appreciate your job. Please do keep it up,” she said.
Mr Olawale Musa, Permanent Secretary, Lagos Ministry of Transportation, said: “We are aware of your pains and sufferings. Your CEO writes concerning the complaints, and we shall surely overcome.”
The state Commissioner of Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said that the achievements of the organisation in the last five years depicted consistency and good leadership.
“What you do is provide service, you have direct interface with passengers, you are doing something good to have the ridership.
`’Please, do not drop your service level, it is extremely important.
“High-capacity buses are used for many reasons: one is to reduce the number of cars on the road; secondly, it is for environmental issues.
“The more the number of bigger buses, the less the number of cars and the less carbon emissions. LBSL plays a role in this space,” he said.
The anniversary featured presentation of awards to 216 pioneer staff of the organisation.
By Chiazo Ogbolu
