Auto
FG to buy N23.5bn vehicles for 174 MDAs in 2023
The Federal Government plans to spend N23.57bn to buy new vehicles in 2023, according to the budget estimates for the fiscal year recently presented by President Muhammadu Buhari to the National Assembly.
Though it is not immediately clear the type of vehicles the FG’s ministries, departments and agencies will acquire, the budget proposal shows that 174 MDAs plan to spend the funds on assorted vehicles next year, a report by Daily Trust indicates.
It states that this is despite the allocation of N22.5bn to 212 government agencies for the same item in the current fiscal year, raising concerns over budgetary provision for critical infrastructure as the country grapples with dwindling revenue, rising debts and fiscal deficit year after year.
The Buhari administration planned to fund the N20.51tn 2023 budget with N9.73tn revenue and N8.80tn new borrowings, pushing the country’s debt profile to N71.64tn.
Nigeria’s outstanding debt as of June 2022 was N42.845tn ($103.312bn), according to the Debt Management Office.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) tops the list of the 20 big spenders with N2bn earmarked for the purchase of new vehicles in 2023.
The NDLEA is followed by State House headquarters with N1.9 billion; Nigerian Army, which plans to spend N1.2bn and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) with N946.5m proposed spending.
The Accident and Investigation Bureau budgets N736.5m for new vehicles; Defence Intelligence Agency, N663m; Community Health Practitioners Registration Board N616.3m followed by the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning with N565.1m.
The National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) will be spending N540 million, N497.4 million, and N485 million respectively on new vehicles.
Others are the National Counter Terrorism Centre, N413.2 million; the Ministry of Works and Housing, N376 million; Nigeria Correctional Service N348.4 million; the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal, N300 million and the University of Ilorin N300 million.
The Federal Polytechnic Damaturu will spend N290 million on new vehicles; followed by Federal Polytechnic Shendam, Plateau with N287.7 million, and Nigeria Meteorological Agency with N280 million; Nigeria Immigration Service and Ministry of Health budgeted N276 million and N273.2 million for the same item.
More than half of these big spending MDAs got a large chunk of the N22.5bn earmarked for the purchase of vehicles in the current 2022 fiscal year.
They are State House headquarters – N1.6 billion; Ministry of Works and Housing N720 million; Nigeria Correctional Service – N738.8 million; Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal – N250 million; Nigeria Immigration Service – N322.9 million and Ministry of Health N413.6 million.
Others are the NDLEA – N250 million; Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning – N261.5 million and Secretary to the Government of the Federation – N124.7 million; Nigerian Army – N101.7 million; and Accident and Investigation Bureau (trucks) – N75 million.
Other top vehicle spenders in 2022 are Federal Road Safety Commission – N1.7 billion; the Defence Headquarters – N340 million; the Defence Mission – N220.3 million; the Ministry of Interior – N200 million; Federal Fire Service – N220.4 million; and the National Institute for Security Studies – N279 million.
The Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority, Nigeria (OGFZA) budgeted N300 million for vehicles while the Ministry of Niger Delta Hqtrs, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital-Nnewi, and Mass Literacy Council are spending N300 million each on the same item.
The Federal Polytechnic Damaturu; National Social Investment Office; and Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission also earmarked N408.2 million, N330.8 million, and N250 million respectively for vehicle purchase.
The Ministry of Women Affairs allocated N236 million for the same item; Federal Polytechnic, Monguno, Borno State – N209 million and Federal Polytechnic, Wannune, Benue State – N205 million.
Where are the vehicles?
There are concerns that while the FG spends billions to purchase new vehicles year after year, many of them are being diverted for private use or looted by government officials with little or no effort to recover them or prosecute those in charge.
In what has now become a common practice, senior government officials are said to take government vehicles away when they go on transfer or retirement.
In 2021, the Senate Public Accounts Committee queried the Ministry of Environment over 55 official vehicles that could not be accounted for.
The Office of Auditor-General for the Federation, in its audit report, said the 55 vehicles belonging to the ministry were not presented for inspection, and that all efforts to inspect them and confirm their availability proved abortive and their location could not be ascertained.
The report said, “We are aware that some officers take vehicles away when going on transfer or retirement. We also observed that the vehicle’s logbook has not been updated, making it difficult to track their movement and their record of maintenance.
“It is also noted that some official vehicles carry private number plates in place of government’s registered numbers.”
Auto
Carloha hits N’Assembly with Chery’s flagship SUV, others as Abuja Motor Fair begins Monday
Carloha hits N’Assembly with Chery’s flagship SUV, others as Abuja Motor Fair begins Monday
Carloha Nigeria has concluded all arrangements to storm the 2024 Abuja Motor Fair holding at the National Assembly Complex with the best of Chery vehicles, the brand’s cutting-edge technologies and eco-friendly innovations.
This year’s event is scheduled to take place from November 25 to 29, 2024.
The authorised dealer and assembler of Chery vehicles in Nigeria says it is excited to participate as the exhibition will provide it a remarkable platform to highlight Chery’s cutting-edge vehicles, including the premium Tiggo 8 Pro, the versatile Tiggo 4 Pro, the compact Tiggo 2 Pro, and the eco-friendly Arrizo 5.
It notes that as a brand committed to redefining mobility and enriching lifestyles, Chery’s presence at the fair will underscore its unwavering dedication to providing Nigerian consumers with vehicles that combine style, performance and advanced technology.
It promises visitors to the Chery stand an immersive experience as they explore the features and innovations embedded in each model.
Leading the line up of vehicles from the brand is the Tiggo 8 Pro, Chery’s flagship SUV, said to epitomise luxury and performance.
Designed with modern families in mind, the Tiggo 8 Pro boasts a spacious interior, intelligent connectivity, and advanced safety features.
It is found ideal for discerning customers seeking comfort, sophistication, and reliability.
The Tiggo 4 Pro is tailored for urban adventurers, combining a sleek design with robust performance.
This dynamic SUV offers the perfect blend of style, technology, and versatility, making it a favorite among young professionals and growing families.
The Tiggo 2 Pro stands out with its vibrant design, agile handling, and impressive fuel efficiency for those seeking a stylish yet compact option.
It is the ultimate choice for individuals looking to easily navigate cityscapes while making a bold statement.
Adding to the lineup is the Arrizo 5, a sedan that represents Chery’s innovative approach to green energy. Equipped with a dual-fuel (petrol and CNG) system, the Arrizo 5 caters to environmentally conscious consumers, providing both sustainability and cost efficiency without compromising performance.
Apart from the vehicles on display, Carloha says the Abuja Motor Fair will also serve as an opportunity for the firm to showcase Chery’s cutting-edge technologies, including intelligent driving systems, advanced safety features, and eco-friendly innovations. It adds that engaging demonstrations and one-on-one consultations will be available to visitors, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of what makes Chery a leader in the automotive industry.
“Participating in the Abuja Motor Fair underscores our commitment to delivering premium vehicles that meet the evolving needs of our customers in Nigeria,” said Mathew Enuoma Aje, Marketing Manager at Carloha Nigeria. “We are thrilled to present Chery’s diverse line-up, each designed to enhance driving experiences and offer unmatched value,” he adds.
The Carloha’s Sales Director, Mr. Joseph Omokhapue, is also quoted as affirming the company’s commitment to making Chery ownership easy, accessible, and affordable.
He highlighted Carloha’s exclusive offers, including a 6-year free service plan, a 6-year/200,000 km warranty, and flexible auto financing options.
“These benefits reflect Carloha’s unwavering commitment to our customers.
“With competitive pricing and 24/7 nationwide parts and service support, we ensure our customers enjoy their Chery vehicles with absolute peace of mind.”
He urged all Chery enthusiasts and potential buyers to visit the Chery booth to explore the range of vehicles on display, participate in interactive activities, and take advantage of exclusive offers during the fair.
Auto
Excitement as Geely relaunches in Nigeria, names Coscharis Motors new partner
Excitement as Geely relaunches in Nigeria, names Coscharis Motors new partner
- Reps, NADDC teams visit Lagos assembly plant
- Coscharis set to roll out new models
For lovers of sleek Geely vehicles, it is exciting time again as Geely Auto International Corporation has officially announced Coscharis Motors as its new partner in Nigeria.
Coscharis Motors, which has thus become the exclusive franchise representative of the Geely brand in Nigeria, says it is ready to roll out the latest Geely models into the Nigerian market very soon as well as grant opportunity for owners of old Geely cars to trade them in for brand new models.
Speaking on behalf of Geely in Lagos, Head of Geely Auto International Middle East/Africa Business Unit, Scofield Wu, said, “We have carefully re-selected our representative in Nigeria, because we are looking for a partner with strong pedigree in the automotive sector in Nigeria that can deliver our brand promise, this we got in Coscharis Motors.
“Coscharis Motors shares our belief that the Geely models are the perfect fits to mitigate customers’ budget constraint especially those who require automobiles that are durable, reliable, technologically driven and have best aftersales offerings.
“This shared passion, along with their excellent reputation in the automotive industry, makes it the perfect partnership for Geely Auto International in Nigeria.”
Commenting on this partnership, the President/CEO of Coscharis Group, Dr. Cosmas Maduka, said, “We are excited to celebrate the confidence that Geely Auto International has reposed in us to represent them in Nigeria. Geely Auto is in sync with Coscharis Motors towards ensuring our corporate brand promise to continue to create value for all our stakeholders.
“This milestone marks another step in the evolution of the company towards remaining timeless in its relevance.
“We are committed to broadening our dealership’s scope to the public, and believe the Geely Auto brand provides a capable, refined and reliable vehicle option to our customers, especially in this economically challenging times.”
He also said, “With our pedigree and experience of the Nigerian market, it is clear to us that the Geely Auto brand is what is needed today to bridge the gap between luxury and budget auto brands available in market.
“The models, especially the All New Starry and GX3 Pro are game-changers in their respective segments. These vehicles have what it takes to meet customers’ expectations satisfactorily, especially government and companies who are looking at their middle management team and fleet vis-à-vis their bottom-line.
“At Coscharis Motors, we are excited to re-launch the new Geely Coolray and Emgrand in addition to bringing the very newest models to Nigeria. We look forward to those existing and new customers because these models are definitely going to stir things up.”
The official announcement of Coscharis franchise came with the visit of members of the House of Representatives Committee on Industry who, as part of their oversight functions, had a facility tour of the Coscharis Assembly Plant located at the group head office in Lagos where the new Geely variants are being assembled.
Chairman of the Committee who led the delegation, Rt. Dr Enitan Badru, said, “Our visit to Coscharis Assembly Plant is to have an on-the-spot assessment of the plant for us to be able to know in specific terms where they need our interventions in terms of enacting relevant laws to protect such investment.
“This surely will help us legislate on every support required to encourage such local organisations to further invest in our Country towards achieving the best intentions of the government of the day.”
Similarly, the Director-General of National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) Joseph Osanipin, who was represented by the Director, Research and Development, Fidelis Achiv, who equally led his team to visit the Coscharis Assembly Plant, commended Coscharis on the assembly plant that has rolled out different brands and now delivering the Geely brand.
The agency promised to give all the necessary support to succeed in delivering the expected value for the country.
Group Managing Director of Coscharis Group, Mr. Josiah Samuel, who conducted the guests around the state-of-the-art assembly plant and the other facilities in the organization, declared that the plant could be compared to any global similar plant in the world.
He said, “With what you’ve seen here today, Coscharis has simply shown that if given the required support with the right conducive business environment, indigenous organizations like ours that have what it takes to compete in the global space will deliver world-standard vehicles going by our pedigree with globally respected automobile brands we represent in Nigeria.
“Coupled with the new Geely brand added to our robust portfolio, we believe our locally assembled Geely vehicles will do well in the Nigeria market.
“As an entity that believes in our country, Nigeria, we shall continue to do all in our space to sustain this local assembling of more brands from this plant as it also has the economic implications of creating more job opportunities both for skilled and unskilled labour that will definitely boost the country’s economy.”
The GMD of Coscharis said aside from delivering one of the unique selling propositions of buying a brand new Geely with a six-year warranty which is rare in the automotive sector, Coscharis Motors is set to embrace all the existing customers concerning their aftersales needs while offering them trade-in options, in order to facilitate easy ownership of the new or latest models.
According to Coscharis, in a statement by its Abiona Babarinde, Group General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications, now that the agreement with Geely Auto International has been sealed and delivered, it “will focus on readying its dedicated Geely Auto showroom across Nigeria with the first bases in Victoria Island, Lagos and Central Business District, Abuja, while the service workshop is set at Ikeja, Lagos.
“The interesting news for our customers is that these vehicles are now available with us to delight the Nigerian market,” the statement added.
Auto
Soludo: Kojo assembly plant will make Anambra auto manufacturing hub
Soludo: Kojo assembly plant will make Anambra auto manufacturing hub
Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has expressed optimism that the new Kojo automotive assembly plant at Umunya along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway will not only boost the economy of the state but also reposition it as an automotive manufacturing hub.
The assembly plant nearing completion is expected to roll out its first set of vehicles under the Soludo administration soon.
The governor spoke at the just concluded Anambra State Investment Summit (ANINVEST 2.0) with Kojo Motors as one of the official partners and sponsors.
This year’s ANINVEST held under the theme “Changing Gears: Accelerating Anambra’s Economic Transformation”
was organised by the state government as a pivotal event in advancing the collective vision for rapid development of the state’s economy.
Speaking on the sidelines of the summit, Managing Director of OMAA, Chinedu Oguegbu, reiterated the plan of the company to invite Governor Soludo to commission the plant and drive the first locally assembled vehicle out of the Kojo Assembly Plant by the first quarter of 2025.
He said, “His Excellency is very passionate about the Kojo Motors auto assembly plant. He is very eager to see its completion and commencement of assembly of vehicles come to reality.
“I can assure him and the state government that we are doing everything possible to ensure we meet with the governor’s wishes and aspirations.”
The event brought together stakeholders from the various sectors of the local and global economy including industry leaders, development partners, financial institutions and other relevant participants, all united in a commitment to accelerating the economic transformation of Anambra State.
Anambra, according to the state governor, is fast becoming a renewed investors’ destination for different types of money bags rushing to the state to capitalise on the pledged ease of doing business to set up businesses.
“This time around, one of such massive investments is being undertaken by John Ikenna Oguegbu, an indigene of the state and chairman, founder and CEO, Kojo Motors Limited,” Chinedu Oguegbu said.
Last year September, Governor Soludo performed the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kojo Motors auto assembly plant for the local assembly of the OMAA range of gas-powered mini passenger and commercial buses as well as Chinese range of Yutong passenger and commercial buses.
While congratulating John Ikenna Oguegbu, chairman and chief executive of Kojo Motors Limited for bringing his wealth to his home state to invest. Governor Soludo also commended the Yutong buses manufacturers from China for the smart move of coming to Anambra State to set up the auto assembly plant in collaboration with the local franchisee.
The governor stated that the decision to allow prospective investors to come and invest in the state was not out of philanthropy or charity, but rather a business decision model that would take Anambra State to the world and bring the outside world to the state.
Governor Soludo pledged the state government’s commitment and patronage of the vehicles rolling out of the Yutong Assembly plant.
He declared that the state government under his administration was on course for massive industrial development, employment generation and prosperity for all its citizens.
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