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Law to enforce made-in-Nigeria vehicles among MDAs coming – Senate
Law to enforce made-in-Nigeria vehicles among MDAs coming – Senate
The Senate has taken steps to enforce a presidential order mandating the purchase of nigeria-assembled vehicles in all government establishments.
Already, the upper chamber has passed for second a bill seeking to compel ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to prioritise the purchase of Nigeria-made vehicles
The legislation, titled ‘Local Automotive Industry Patronage Bill, 2025’, is sponsored by Patrick Ndubueze, senator representing Imo North.
Ndubueze introduced the bill in October 2024 and passed its first reading.
The senator who spoke at the plenary on Thursday said Nigeria’s overdependence on imported automobiles had continued to weaken the naira and damage local industries.
“Any country that aims to achieve steady economic growth and development must have a policy that encourages and provides a framework for local production,” he said.
“It is also important that goods and services are produced locally, as its ripple effect is a reduction in imports and a rise in exports (balance of trade).”
Ndubueze said 54 automobile manufacturing licences had been issued in Nigeria, noting that only six companies remained operational due to forex shortages and poor infrastructure.
He also said many automobile firms had moved to Ghana, where they are now setting up plants to produce vehicles for the Nigerian market.
“How do we stem the free fall of the naira if we cannot address our appetite for foreign goods?” he asked.
“How do we support the development of indigenous brands if the biggest spender, year on year — the government — refuses to buy made-in-Nigeria goods?”
He proposed that at least 75 percent of vehicles procured by public officers and civil servants be locally manufactured, not merely assembled.
“This is the first step to saving our economy, protecting our currency, and creating jobs for our people,” he said.
He said only firms with at least 70 percent Nigerian workforce, 75 percent local research and development (R&D) spend, and technology such as robotic painting machines and electrophoresis systems should qualify as local manufacturers.
“Government support for local industry should be seen as both strategically important, a long-term investment, and a national security imperative,” he said.
He cited China, India, and Malaysia as examples of countries that banned imported cars in their early years to grow domestic industries.
“Today, these countries have perfected their local processes, and we are now importing their products, some of which cannot compete with our locally manufactured vehicles,” he said.
Mohammed Monguno, senate chief whip and senator representing Borno central, said the bill would give legal backing to an existing directive by the federal executive council (FEC) on the use of local products.
“This law will insulate the directive from the whims and caprices of subsequent administrations who may want to reverse it,” he said.
Barau Jibrin, deputy senate president and the presiding officer, said the bill would “provide jobs for automobile engineers in the country and encourage more investors to move into the sector.”
The deputy senate president said the bill will “strengthen our economy and the naira and galvanise the automobile industry.
“We hope the process to get it assented to by the President will be expeditious,” Barau added.
The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Public Procurement for further legislative scrutiny, with a report expected within four weeks.
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FG Deepens CNG Expansion with 1,100-Vehicle Capacity Gas Station in Abuja
FG Deepens CNG Expansion with 1,100-Vehicle Capacity Gas Station in Abuja
The Federal Government has intensified efforts to deepen the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in Nigeria with the commissioning of a high-capacity refuelling station in Abuja capable of serving more than 1,100 vehicles daily.
The newly inaugurated facility, developed by Rolling Energy Limited in partnership with the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF), is located in Jahi, Abuja, and is expected to significantly boost access to cleaner and more affordable transportation energy.
The project forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to expand Nigeria’s gas infrastructure, reduce reliance on petrol and diesel, and accelerate the transition to cleaner fuel alternatives under the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG).
The High Capacity CNG Daughter Booster Station has a sales capacity of 1,000 Standard Cubic Metres (SCM) per hour, supported by two CNG tube skids with a combined storage capacity of 17,000 SCM.
The station also features a Mass Conversion Centre staffed by trained technicians and equipped with conversion kits capable of converting up to 20 vehicles and 25 tricycles daily, providing practical support for motorists and commercial operators seeking to switch to gas-powered transportation.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on Friday, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the project as a major milestone in Nigeria’s drive to deepen gas utilisation and strengthen access to affordable energy solutions.
Ekpo said the facility would play a strategic role in supporting the nationwide rollout of CNG adoption, particularly as the government continues efforts to cushion the impact of rising fuel costs following the removal of petrol subsidy.
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He said, “Facilities such as this are essential for building the backbone infrastructure required to support widespread CNG penetration in Nigeria.”
The minister commended Rolling Energy Limited and MDGIF for delivering the project, describing it as one of four strategic gas infrastructure projects currently being commissioned across the country.
According to him, similar projects by Ibile Oil and Gas, Portland Energy and Femadec are also being commissioned in Lagos and Owerri, signalling increased private sector confidence in the Federal Government’s gas commercialisation agenda.
Ekpo said the projects align with the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas Initiative, launched to leverage Nigeria’s estimated 215 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves to drive industrialisation, transportation reform, economic diversification and long-term energy security.
The minister noted that expanding gas infrastructure remains central to President Bola Tinubu’s energy transition agenda, which aims to provide Nigerians with cleaner, cheaper and more sustainable alternatives to conventional fuels.
Stakeholders in the energy sector have welcomed the development, noting that improved CNG station availability is crucial to encouraging wider adoption among private motorists, commercial transport operators and industrial users.
Analysts also say the establishment of more conversion centres and refuelling stations will help address one of the biggest barriers to mass CNG adoption — inadequate infrastructure.
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to supporting private-sector-led investments to ensure that CNG refuelling stations become accessible across major cities and transport corridors nationwide.
FG Deepens CNG Expansion with 1,100-Vehicle Capacity Gas Station in Abuja
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Jetour T2 Earns Top Global Safety Rating, Intensifies SUV Battle in Nigeria
Jetour T2 Earns Top Global Safety Rating, Intensifies SUV Battle in Nigeria
Jetour has thrown down the gauntlet in Nigeria’s increasingly competitive SUV market after its rugged T2 model secured the coveted NCAP 5-Star safety rating — a global benchmark regarded as the highest standard in crash protection and accident avoidance technology.
The achievement is expected to boost the brand’s appeal among Nigerian motorists seeking tough, family-oriented SUVs that combine advanced safety, luxury and off-road capability for the country’s challenging road conditions.
Jetour Nigeria discloses this in a statement, stressing that it is backing the T2 with a growing nationwide dealership and after-sales support network, including trained technicians, genuine spare parts, structured maintenance plans and warranty coverage aimed at boosting long-term ownership confidence.
Positioned as a bold “super SUV,” the Jetour T2 was designed specifically with Nigerian driving conditions in mind, according to the automaker.
In a country where motorists often encounter congested urban roads, long-distance highways and rough rural terrain within the same trip, the T2 is engineered to adapt seamlessly to changing environments.
Safety is seen as one of the vehicle’s strongest selling points. The SUV comes equipped with a comprehensive airbag system, SRS airbags, parking sensors, rear camera and surround-view monitor.
It also features advanced driver-assistance technologies such as Anti-lock Braking System, Emergency Braking Assist and Auto-Brake Assist, which help detect potential collisions and automatically apply braking when necessary.
Beyond safety, the T2 projects a muscular and commanding presence aimed at drivers looking for both ruggedness and refinement.
Jetour says the SUV was built to offer confidence for daily commuting while remaining capable enough for off-road adventures.
Inside, the cabin combines premium comfort with practical space. Measuring 4,785mm in length, 2,006mm in width and 1,880mm in height, the SUV offers generous legroom and headroom for occupants, making it suitable for long-distance travel and family use.
Under the hood, the T2 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine delivering 187kW (254hp) and 390Nm of torque.
Paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the setup provides strong acceleration, smooth overtaking capability and enough power to tackle steep inclines and demanding terrains.
A major highlight of the SUV is its advanced multi-terrain capability. The T2 features a BorgWarner sixth-generation four-wheel-drive system and XWD automatic intelligent drivetrain.
Multiple drive modes — including Sport, Eco, Normal, Mud, Rock and X Smart — allow the vehicle to adjust to varying road conditions ranging from muddy rural tracks to sandy and rocky surfaces.
Technology and convenience also feature prominently in the package. A 15.6-inch LCD touchscreen serves as the hub for infotainment, vehicle diagnostics and off-road information.
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, intelligent voice commands, cruise control and crawl control are integrated to enhance the driving experience.
Additional features such as remote start, push-button ignition, lane departure warning and blind-spot detection further improve convenience and safety for drivers.
With the T2, Jetour is seeking to position itself as a brand that understands the realities of Nigerian roads and the increasing appetite among motorists for SUVs that combine adventure, luxury and safety without compromise.
Jetour Nigeria specifically lists its accredited dealers spread across the country as Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era AutoVehicle Services Limited, Kojo Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, Tab Autos Limited, R. T. Briscoe Motors and Mandilas Autos.
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Forland, TSS Motors strengthen technical capacity with specialised truck training
Forland, TSS Motors strengthen technical capacity with specialised truck training
Forland Motors, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of light commercial trucks, has strengthened its partnership with local assembler and distributor, Transit Support Services Ltd (TSS), through a specialised three-day technical training programme aimed at boosting the competence of technicians handling the brand’s vehicles in Nigeria.
The programme was organised to equip the TSS technical team, comprising assembly and after-sales technicians, with in-depth knowledge of Forland light trucks, which are assembled and distributed in Nigeria by the company. The training covered assembly, installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance, with the goal of ensuring high service standards in both vehicle assembly and after-sales support.
The training, held at the TSS Motors Training Centre on Ikorodu Road in the Anthony area of Lagos, was facilitated by Forland instructors who arrived from China, alongside TSS technical personnel drawn from Lagos, Enugu, and Abuja.
Also in attendance were technical personnel from Yuchai, the major supplier of engines to Forland trucks. Yuchai is one of China’s largest manufacturers of powertrain solutions.
Forland training at TSS office in Lagos
Providing further insight into the programme, the Head of After-Sales Services at TSS, Mrs. Phebian Iwalokun, said the training focused on general maintenance, engine servicing, and preventive maintenance programmes.
According to her, the initiative was designed to ensure that TSS technicians are fully equipped to manage the growing number of Forland vehicles operating in Nigeria.
She added that continuous skill enhancement had become necessary as TSS prepares for an expansion in production capacity amid increasing demand for Forland trucks across the country.
“Forland trucks are currently gaining ground in Nigeria, with over 1,000 units already in operation, mainly among fast-moving consumer goods companies, logistics firms, and last-mile distribution operators,” Iwalokun stated.
A subsidiary of ABC Transport Plc, Transit Support Services assembles Forland trucks at its plant in Enugu and provides technical and after-sales support to customers nationwide.
Forland has continued to build a strong reputation globally as a successful commercial vehicle and light-truck brand, with its products performing strongly in several international markets.
ABC Transport Group founder, Mr. Frank Nneji (right), presented certificates to the participants
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