Investors need transparent regulation and bankable projects – Otto Canon

Otto Canon, a Nigerian-born, London-based, multi award-winning sustainability advocate, is positioning himself at the intersection of climate action and economic transformation. As founder of CleanCyclers and convener of the Global Sustainability Summit and Awards at the UK Parliament’s House of Lords, Canon has spent over a decade driving practical solutions to environmental decline spanning recycling, ecosystem restoration, education and policy advocacy. In this interview with KENNETH ATHEKAME, he outlines why private capital must lead sustainability transitions and how electric mobility could reshape Nigeria’s economic future.

How did your journey into sustainability begin?

My journey started at the grassroots, tackling waste mismanagement, pollution and climate awareness. Through CleanCyclers Africa, we moved from advocacy to measurable impact recycling over 10,000 metric tonnes of waste and planting more than 100,000 trees. Over time, I realised the scale of the challenge requires collective action. That insight shaped my mission to build a global movement of sustainability champions. Engagements with policymakers, international institutions and the private sector also expanded my perspective sustainability goes beyond waste to include energy, transport, urban systems and social inclusion.

How do you define sustainable mobility in the African context?

Sustainable mobility in Africa must be practical and inclusive. It is not just about electric vehicles (EVs) or advanced technology. It means transport systems that are affordable, efficient and environmentally responsible. For Nigeria, this includes cleaner public transport, low-emission logistics, non-motorised infrastructure, digitised systems and gradual electrification while addressing congestion, poor road networks and energy constraints.

What role should private sector leaders play in sustainability transitions?

The private sector must move beyond profit to become architects of long-term systems change. Governments provide direction, but businesses bring innovation, capital and execution speed. Leaders should embed ESG principles into core strategy, invest in green technologies and support policy reforms. Sustainability must shift from public relations to business fundamentals.

How urgent is Nigeria’s alignment with global decarbonisation trends?

Extremely urgent. Nigeria is already experiencing climate shocks flooding, desertification, rising temperatures and pollution. At the same time, global markets are rewarding low-carbon systems. Delays risk reduced competitiveness, lost investment and weaker economic resilience. This is not just environmental, it is economic.

How central are electric vehicles to Nigeria’s sustainability drive?

EVs are critical, but they are only one part of a broader ecosystem. They can reduce emissions and fuel costs while modernising transport. However, their impact depends on power supply, infrastructure, policy support and affordability. They must evolve alongside renewable energy expansion, public transport reform and smarter urban planning.

What misconceptions exist about EV adoption in emerging markets?

One misconception is that EVs are only viable in high-income countries. In reality, they can be highly effective in emerging markets, especially in two-wheelers, fleets and commercial transport. Another is that EVs automatically solve environmental challenges. Their true impact depends on electricity sources, battery recycling and lifecycle management.

Can EVs reduce Nigeria’s carbon footprint in the short term?

Yes, but gradually. Early adoption will likely come from fleets, ride-hailing, buses, logistics and commercial vehicles where cost savings are immediate. As Nigeria improves its energy mix, emissions reductions will deepen. Even in the short term, EVs can significantly cut urban air pollution and fuel dependency.

How do EVs integrate with renewable energy?

They are naturally complementary. Solar-powered charging stations, battery storage and decentralised energy systems can address grid limitations while providing clean power for mobility. Nigeria’s solar potential makes this integration particularly viable.

How critical is energy reform to mobility transformation?

It is foundational. Without reliable electricity, EV adoption will remain constrained. Reform must include grid modernisation, renewable deployment, mini-grids and stronger private sector participation. Energy and mobility transitions must move in tandem.

Can Nigeria’s power challenges reshape EV adoption?

Yes. Constraints may slow traditional models but also drive innovation such as solar-powered charging hubs, battery swapping and decentralised systems. Infrastructure gaps can become catalysts for new solutions.

Where are the strongest investment opportunities?

Key opportunities include EV charging infrastructure, solar-powered mobility hubs, electric buses and two-wheelers, fleet conversion, battery recycling, waste-to-energy systems and green logistics. Early movers will benefit from first-mover advantage.

How can Nigeria attract green financing?

Policy clarity and consistency are critical. Investors need transparent regulation and bankable projects. Nigeria must strengthen carbon markets, blended finance, sovereign green bonds and partnerships with development finance institutions alongside credible governance and impact reporting.

Are Nigerian businesses responding fast enough?

Progress is visible but still slow. Many firms remain at the awareness stage. While leading companies are adopting ESG frameworks and renewable energy, broader SME adoption remains limited. The shift must move from conversation to execution.

What policy framework is required?

Nigeria needs an integrated strategy linking transport, energy, finance and industrial policy.

This should include EV standards, charging regulations, renewable integration, local manufacturing incentives and emissions benchmarks. Fragmented policies will delay progress.

Should sustainability be treated as an economic priority?

Absolutely. Sustainability drives job creation, energy security, investment inflows and industrial innovation while reducing long-term health costs. Countries that frame it as economic transformation move faster and compete better.

What is the job creation potential of green mobility?

Significant. Opportunities span manufacturing, assembly, maintenance, software systems, charging infrastructure and recycling. It also creates demand for new skills in engineering, energy systems and data management opening pathways for a green workforce.

What is the social impact of cleaner mobility?

Cleaner transport improves air quality, reduces healthcare costs and enhances urban productivity. It also improves access to jobs, education and healthcare. Ultimately, sustainable mobility is not just transport reform it is quality-of-life reform.