FRSC: Fatal crashes, gridlocks, roadblocks avoidable at Yuletide - Newstrends
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FRSC: Fatal crashes, gridlocks, roadblocks avoidable at Yuletide

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The Federal Road Safety Corps has urged people to stay at home and celebrate the Yuletide as well as the end of the year holidays with their families in view of the reported new strain of COVID-19.

It, however, advised those that must travel to do so by observing all traffic rules and COVID-19 protocols, noting that the season can be celebrated without fatal accidents, gridlocks and road obstruction that usually characterise the Yuletide and end of the year movements.

Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, stated this in a message to felicitate with motorists and commuters as well as guide them during the season’s celebrations.

This is contained in a statement entitled, ‘Oyeyemi felicitates with Christians, reiterates need to observe COVID-19 protocols’.

The corps marshal is quoted in the statement signed by the FRSC spokesperson, Assistant Corps Marshal Bisi Kazeem, as saying, “Celebrate peacefully with your family at home if possible; but if you must travel to other places, then try as much as possible to observe all the COVID-19 protocols including frequent washing of hands, wearing of masks and keeping to social distancing.”

He also said, “People must prove through their obedience to traffic rules and regulations that Christmas and new year can be celebrated without loss of lives, road obstruction and gridlocks that characterise the periods.

“All road travelers must observe these basic traffic rules to ensure the desired safety outcomes, not only during the Christmas and new year celebrations, but beyond the seasons.”

He warned people against some specific offences like route violation, overloading, speeding, light signs violation and driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs which had been identified as responsible for most crashes and deaths that occur during the yuletide seasons.

He reiterated his earlier calls for people to guide against unhealthy habits that could compromise the guidelines put in place by the National Centre for Disease Control to avert spread of the disease.

The FRSC boss particularly cautioned travellers against dangers that go with road travels at this period of increased human and vehicular traffic, stressing that people must show extra vigilance while using the road to overcome the annual carnage.

The corps marshal also appealed to Nigerians to cooperate fully with the FRSC personnel and other security agencies as well as stakeholders in the civil societies who had voluntarily joined in keeping the roads safer in the spirits of road safety as a shared responsibility.

“Adequate patrol and rescue logistics as well as personnel have been deployed along all black spots and major highways across the country to ease movement of travelers and render prompt medical care in case of crashes related and other emergencies.

All members of the public are accordingly enjoined to cooperate with the Corps to make the special exercise a huge success,” Oyeyemi said.

He further appealed to Nigerians to report any cases of obstruction, crashes and other emergencies to the FRSC toll free line: 122 or directly call to the studios of the FRSC National Traffic Radio-107.1fm.

Oyeyemi further called on road users to support the ongoing road safety sensitisation programmes by the FRSC to address issues of poor attitude to road usage by people, saying such non committal attitude to road safety accounts for why the periods of Christmas and new year becoming the most challenging to the campaigns for safer road environments in the country.

He further noted that while FRSC as part of its annual end of year special patrol has put adequate measures in place and mapped out strategies to address all the anticipated traffic challenges that could hinder free movement of people and vehicles, such measures would remain inadequate without cooperation from members of the public particularly, those that travel on the roads.

He expressed gratitude to the Almighty God for protecting Nigerians against various social and security challenges, saying the period of Christmas should be devoted to giving glory to God for His favours and asking Him for more, instead of laying emphasis on merriments alone.

He urged people to pray fervently for God’s more grace to the country and protection for all Nigerians.

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FG Moves to Expand CNG Vehicle Production, Targets Cheaper Transport Fares

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FG Moves to Expand CNG Vehicle Production, Targets Cheaper Transport Fares

FG Moves to Expand CNG Vehicle Production, Targets Cheaper Transport Fares

The Federal Government has stepped up efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s automotive industry and promote more affordable transportation through collaboration with local vehicle manufacturers, following visits to two manufacturing facilities in Anambra State.

Board members of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) inspected the facilities of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) in Nnewi and Kojo Motors Auto Assembly in Umunya to assess their production capacity, identify operational challenges and explore ways to support indigenous manufacturers.

The visit comes amid the Federal Government’s drive to expand the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicles as alternatives to petrol-powered transportation, with the aim of reducing operating costs and making public transport more affordable.

The manufacturers welcomed the government’s new policy directing ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to patronise locally manufactured vehicles, saying it could increase demand for their products and strengthen domestic production.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, had issued a circular directing government establishments to purchase vehicles from local manufacturers.

Managing Director of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, said he was encouraged by the government’s emphasis on CNG, describing the fuel as an important option for sustaining Nigeria’s automotive industry amid rising petrol and diesel costs.

Chukwuma disclosed that the company had dedicated its newest large-scale facility to producing CNG-powered trucks and electric vehicles.

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He said wider adoption of CNG could help lower transportation and operating costs while supporting local industrial growth and creating employment opportunities.

The industrialist also called for stronger backward integration in the automotive sector, arguing that manufacturers should focus on producing components that Nigeria has the capacity to manufacture competitively.

At the Umunya facility, the executive director of Kojo Motors, Chinedu Oguegbo, said the company was concentrating on commercial vehicles designed for Nigeria’s transport needs.

He said the company had begun benefiting from the government’s local vehicle procurement policy but had faced challenges arising from the sharp depreciation of the naira and exchange-rate fluctuations.

Oguegbo added that the company was developing its natural gas facility, which he expected to become operational in the future. He also expressed optimism that the company’s Omma Bus brand could eventually be exported to international markets.

NADDC Director-General Oluwemimo Joseph said the inspection was intended to give the council first-hand knowledge of the challenges confronting local vehicle manufacturers.

He explained that the council was reviewing existing policies and working on proposed legislation to improve the operating environment for the industry.

According to him, information gathered during the visits would help the council develop measures to address manufacturers’ concerns and identify vehicle components that could be produced locally.

Joseph said Nigeria had numerous small and medium-sized enterprises capable of supplying components to the automotive industry, adding that stronger partnerships could create new business opportunities and reduce dependence on imported parts.

He also acknowledged concerns about the effect of imported used vehicles on local manufacturers, noting that the council was considering measures to address the competitive disadvantages faced by domestic producers.

NADDC Chairman, Chief Emma Eneukwu, said the council was advocating legislation to protect local vehicle manufacturers from the influx of imported used cars.

He argued that local producers needed a more supportive policy environment to compete effectively and expand production.

The Federal Government’s broader CNG and electric mobility programme is designed to reduce transport costs by encouraging the deployment of vehicles powered by alternative energy sources. However, the impact on passenger fares will depend on the availability of vehicles, refuelling infrastructure, operating costs and the extent to which transport operators pass savings on to commuters.

The Anambra visits form part of efforts to strengthen local manufacturing, encourage investment and improve the availability of vehicles for Nigeria’s public transportation system. While the collaboration could support cheaper transport over time, the visits did not announce a specific new fare reduction or implementation timetable.

 

FG Moves to Expand CNG Vehicle Production, Targets Cheaper Transport Fares

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Electric Mobility: Spiro Unveils Expansion Plan, Names Nigeria New MD

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Electric Mobility: Spiro Unveils Expansion Plan, Names Nigeria New MD

Spiro, Africa’s leading electric mobility company, is stepping up plans to expand its footprint in Nigeria, strengthen its battery-swapping infrastructure and deepen partnerships to make electric motorcycles more accessible and affordable to riders.

The company unveiled the growth strategy at the second edition of its Media Connect event in Lagos, where it formally introduced its new Country Head and Managing Director, Mr Prasad Sane, who will lead its operations and expansion drive in the country.

Sane said Spiro would consolidate its presence in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states while exploring opportunities to extend its operations to additional markets, as it seeks to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to cleaner and more sustainable transportation.

The event brought together journalists covering business, technology, mobility and sustainability to discuss the company’s progress, infrastructure development and long-term ambitions for Nigeria’s electric mobility market.

Addressing the gathering, Sane said the company was moving beyond the deployment of electric motorcycles to building an integrated mobility ecosystem designed to improve riders’ earnings, reduce operating costs and create economic opportunities.

“Today is about progress, partnership and purpose. A year ago, we shared our vision for electric mobility in Nigeria. Today, we are demonstrating tangible results and a clear path forward,” he said.

He added that his mandate was to make Spiro one of the most trusted, affordable and accessible electric mobility solutions for Nigerians, beginning with its existing focus markets.

“My mandate is simple: to make Spiro the most trusted, affordable and accessible electric mobility solution for Nigerians, beginning with Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states.

“We are moving beyond electric bikes to build a complete ecosystem centred on our promise of ‘Energy on the Move’,” Sane stated.

A major pillar of the company’s strategy is its battery-swapping technology, which allows riders to exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones in under a minute, reducing downtime and eliminating the need to wait for conventional recharging.

According to Sane, the model offers riders an alternative to rising fuel and maintenance costs while supporting efforts to reduce carbon emissions and improve the economics of commercial motorcycle operations.

“Electric mobility is no longer the future. It is the present, and Nigeria is poised to lead the transition,” he said.

Under its expansion plan, Spiro intends to accelerate the deployment of battery-swapping stations and service centres across Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states to improve accessibility, operational efficiency and customer support.

The company also plans to extend its geographical reach beyond the three states, bringing its electric motorcycles and related services to more Nigerian markets.

Another priority is strengthening partnerships with financial institutions, logistics companies and rider communities to improve access to electric motorcycles and its Battery-as-a-Service solutions.

The approach is expected to support wider adoption by riders who may face financial barriers to acquiring electric motorcycles outright, while helping businesses explore cleaner and potentially more cost-effective transportation options.

Spiro also plans to scale up local assembly operations, technical training and after-sales support, with a focus on creating employment opportunities, particularly for young Nigerians and women.

The company said the measures would help strengthen its operational capacity while developing local skills and supporting the growth of Nigeria’s electric mobility ecosystem.

The Media Connect event featured live product demonstrations and operational showcases, alongside the unveiling of the Spiro Ekon M1 Version 3, highlighting the company’s efforts to develop its electric motorcycle offerings for the Nigerian market.

Spiro, which received the West Africa Sustainable Award (WASA), is positioning its expansion around electric motorcycles and battery-swapping infrastructure as it seeks to contribute to the growth of sustainable mobility across Nigeria.

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Jetour W Motors Celebrates Customers, Unveils Nigeria Owners Club After Brazil Promo

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Jetour W Motors Celebrates Customers, Unveils Nigeria Owners Club After Brazil Promo

 

Jetour W Motors Nigeria is stepping up efforts to strengthen customer loyalty and build a vibrant community of vehicle owners with the successful conclusion of its #WinYourWayToBrazil campaign and the official establishment of the Jetour Nigeria Club.

The twin initiatives mark a new phase in the Chinese automotive brand’s engagement with Nigerian customers, extending its relationship with vehicle owners beyond sales and after-sales services to include shared experiences, lifestyle activities, adventures and community-building programmes.

The campaign climaxed with a live raffle draw on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Jetour W Motors showroom on Adeyemo Alakija Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, where eligible customers gathered for an evening of entertainment, refreshments, networking and the eagerly anticipated announcement of the winner.

The promotion offered customers who ordered and purchased any Jetour vehicle between August 18 and September 20, 2026, the opportunity to win a trip to Brazil for the Jetour Brazil Fan Festival.

The event also featured the distribution of branded Jetour Owners Club gifts, adding to the celebratory atmosphere as customers interacted with one another and members of the Jetour team.

Beyond the excitement surrounding the raffle draw, the occasion provided a platform for Jetour W Motors to unveil the Jetour Nigeria Club, an initiative designed to bring owners of the brand’s vehicles together through a structured calendar of activities and shared experiences.

The club, officially established for the first time in Nigeria, is expected to create opportunities for members to participate in organised adventures, social gatherings and other community initiatives while strengthening their connection with the brand.

Registration for membership will open soon, with all Jetour owners invited to join the emerging community.

The development reinforces Jetour W Motors Nigeria’s strategy of building lasting relationships with customers in a competitive automotive market where ownership experience, customer engagement and brand loyalty are becoming increasingly important.

The #WinYourWayToBrazil campaign follows the successful Jetour Africa Expedition — Nigeria Edition, which brought together Jetour owners, influencers, media professionals and members of the company’s team for a distinctive experience combining driving, adventure and Nigerian culture.

The expedition was the brand’s first major activation specifically designed to bring Jetour owners together in Nigeria, providing an opportunity for participants to connect beyond their individual vehicle ownership experiences.

With the Brazil campaign and the launch of the national owners’ club, Jetour W Motors is building on that foundation by creating more opportunities for customers to interact, participate in brand-led activities and develop relationships with fellow owners.

The approach reflects a broader effort to position vehicle ownership as an experience that extends beyond the showroom, encompassing lifestyle, recreation and a sense of belonging to a growing community.

Jetour W Motors Nigeria is the authorised distributor of Jetour vehicles in the Nigerian market, where the brand continues to expand its presence through customer-focused initiatives and engagement programmes.

The planned opening of membership registration for the Jetour Nigeria Club is expected to provide the next opportunity for owners to become part of the community and participate in activities designed to deepen their connection with the brand.

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