AIRTEL CUTS DIESEL USE BY 9.1M LITRES AMID GREEN TRANSITION

Leading telecommunications company, Airtel Nigeria, has reduced its diesel consumption by 9.1 million litres in the first half of 2026 as part of its aggressive green energy transition programme.

The company disclosed this in its sustainability report released on Friday, highlighting significant progress in replacing diesel-powered generators with solar and hybrid energy solutions across its network infrastructure. Airtel said the reduction in diesel usage has not only lowered operational costs but also contributed to a substantial decrease in carbon emissions.

Airtel Nigeria Managing Director, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, described the achievement as a key milestone in the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability. “We are proud to have cut diesel consumption by 9.1 million litres. This is a clear demonstration of our dedication to green energy and reducing our carbon footprint while maintaining service quality,” Ogunsanya stated.

The telco has been deploying solar-powered sites and hybrid solutions across its base stations, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040 and support Nigeria’s climate change commitments.

Environmental experts have commended Airtel for the move, noting that the telecommunications sector is one of the largest consumers of diesel in the country due to unreliable grid power. The reduction in diesel use is expected to have a positive impact on air quality and public health in areas where telecom sites are located.

Airtel has also invested in energy-efficient technologies and battery storage systems to further minimise its reliance on fossil fuels. The company plans to expand its renewable energy portfolio in the coming years to cover a larger percentage of its energy needs.

As Nigeria continues to push for a greener economy, corporate initiatives like Airtel’s are being viewed as critical to achieving national sustainability targets and reducing the environmental impact of the private sector.