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Luxury bus owners: Count us out of planned mass protest
Luxury bus owners: Count us out of planned mass protest
Long distance road transport owners and operators whose buses ply various routes across Nigeria have dissociated themselves from the ‘Days of Rage’ nationwide protests planned to commence on Thursday, August 1, 2024.
The transporters under their national umbrella body, Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria (ALBON), disclosed this at a press conference in the Utako area of Abuja on Thursday.
They described the planned protests as an ill wind that would blow anybody no good.
Briefing the press on ALBON’s position after a meeting in their Abuja office, the association’s leadership led by the President, Mr. Nonso Ubajaka, said experience had shown that such protests are usually infiltrated by hoodlums using the opportunity to unleash violence.
He said members reasoned that if held, the protests could lead to loss of lives and wanton destruction of properties.
He said the resolution of the members of his association had been conveyed to the Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, making it clear that they would not be a part of the planned protests.
The association acknowledged that there is economic hardship in the country, with Nigerians feeling the impact of rising food prices and high cost of living.
The ALBON leadership, however, urged those planning to protest to have a rethink and seek more peaceful ways of getting the government to address the problems, including making themselves available for peaceful dialogue.
The ALBON president drew attention to the fact that members’ vehicles operate from Utako to other parts of Nigeria, as well as from other cities and towns to various destinations across the country, which could make their vehicles vulnerable.
Ubajaka said ALBON members could not afford to risk making their buses the targets of violent protests.
He sued for meaningful dialogue while the government works towards finding solutions to the identified problems.
He said, “We don’t want to put our businesses at risk and expose the lives of the people we serve to danger through protests.
“The government has taken steps to mitigate the several national challenges that we are having.”
He called on ALBON members to disregard the planned action, which he continually referred to as a product of “social media” resolve.
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Jetour G700 PHEV Lands in Abuja for 3-Day Luxury Mobility Showcase
Jetour G700 PHEV Lands in Abuja for 3-Day Luxury Mobility Showcase
Jetour Nigeria is taking its premium mobility campaign to the Federal Capital Territory, with the flagship G700 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) set to headline a three-day luxury automotive showcase in Abuja from September 22 to 24, 2026.
The Abuja experience, coming on the heels of the brand’s major showcase in Lagos, is part of Jetour Nigeria’s aggressive drive to deepen its presence in the country’s premium automotive market while introducing consumers to a new generation of electrified mobility.
The G700 PHEV, positioned as Jetour’s flagship luxury SUV, combines executive-class comfort with advanced hybrid technology and serious off-road capability.
The model’s arrival in Abuja also comes at a time the brand is gaining increasing recognition in Nigeria’s automotive industry. Jetour Nigeria was recently honoured by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) as the Fastest Growing Auto Brand of the Year, underscoring its expanding market presence.
At the heart of the G700 is Jetour’s Kunpeng Super Hybrid system, paired with dual electric motors. The powertrain delivers a claimed combined driving range of up to 1,400 kilometres, offering a response to one of the major concerns surrounding electrified vehicles—range anxiety.
The flagship SUV also comes equipped with adaptive suspension, triple differential locks and up to 970mm wading capability, giving it the muscle to handle demanding terrain while retaining the refinement expected of a luxury vehicle.
Inside, the six-seat G700 delivers a premium cabin experience, featuring Nappa leather upholstery, massage seats, a 35.4-inch 3K panoramic display, an 18-speaker Lexicon sound system and an onboard refrigerator.
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The Abuja showcase is expected to attract government officials, corporate executives, fleet managers, motoring enthusiasts and members of the media. Participants will have the opportunity to experience the G700 through an exclusive vehicle reveal, hands-on demonstrations and VIP test drives.
Jetour Nigeria promises ownership support
Beyond the vehicle itself, Jetour Nigeria is highlighting its after-sales support as a key component of the ownership proposition.
Customers purchasing through its authorised network will benefit from a five-year or 150,000-kilometre manufacturer warranty, access to genuine spare parts, software upgrades and certified technical support.
The company currently operates through seven accredited dealerships, including Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era AutoVehicle Services, Kojo Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, Tab Autos, R.T. Briscoe Motors and Mandilas Motors.
Jetour Nigeria is inviting prospective customers and automotive stakeholders to register for the Abuja experience and secure VIP test-drive slots.
Registration, vehicle specifications and event updates are available through www.jetournigeria.com, Instagram @jetour_nigeria and @Jetourngofficial, or via info@jetournigeria.com.
Jetour G700 PHEV Lands in Abuja for 3-Day Luxury Mobility Showcase
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Auto
Uber exits Nigeria after 12 years
Uber exits Nigeria after 12 years
By Rasheed Bisiriyu
Global ride-hailing giant, Uber, has pulled out of Nigeria, ending its 12-year operation in the country and bringing to a close a major chapter in the evolution of app-based transportation in Africa’s most populous nation
The company announced the decision on Wednesday, saying it would wind down its Nigerian operations effective September 2, 2026.
Uber said the decision followed a “thorough review” of its business in the country.
“We are writing to share some difficult news. After a thorough review of our business, we have made the tough decision to wind down our operations in Nigeria, effective 2 September 2026,” the company said in a message to its customers.
The development marks the end of Uber’s 12-year presence in Nigeria, which began with its launch in Lagos in 2014.
Its arrival transformed the urban transportation landscape, particularly in Lagos, by popularising app-based ride-hailing and providing commuters with an alternative to conventional taxis and other forms of commercial transportation.
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Through its platform, passengers could request rides using their mobile phones and connect with independent drivers, while vehicle owners and drivers gained access to a new source of income.
Over the years, Uber became a familiar part of the daily commuting experience of many Nigerians, particularly in major urban centres.
The company, while announcing its exit, thanked Nigerians for allowing it to become part of their daily lives.
“Since we first launched in Lagos in 2014, it has been an absolute privilege to be a part of your daily life connecting you with independent transportation providers,” Uber said.
“Whether it was a morning commute, a ride to see loved ones, or exploring the city, thank you for trusting the platform to connect you to a driver to get you there safely.”
Uber also apologised to customers for the disruption its departure might cause.
“We know this may cause disruption to your routine, and we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience,” it said.
The company’s exit comes as Nigeria’s ride-hailing market has become increasingly competitive, with several local and international platforms offering app-based transportation services to commuters.
The sector has also faced challenges linked to rising vehicle operating costs, fuel prices, regulatory requirements and changing market conditions.
Uber said its Help Centre would remain available until September 23 to assist customers with final account-related enquiries.
“Thank you for welcoming us into your city,” the company said.
Uber’s departure brings to an end a significant chapter in Nigeria’s digital transportation story, following its role in changing how millions of commuters booked and paid for rides over the past decade.
Uber exits Nigeria after 12 years
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Auto
Who Drives Best? Naija Driver 2026 Opens Free National Search for Driving Champion
Who Drives Best? Naija Driver 2026 Opens Free National Search for Driving Champion
A new nationwide driving competition designed to combine driver education with practical skills testing is set to begin in September, with organisers targeting safer roads and a reduction in crashes linked to human error.
‘Dubbed Naija Driver 2026’, the inaugural Nigerian Drivers Challenge is being organised by Notch Captains Limited under the Approval in Principle and Safety Frameworks of the Automobile & Touring Club of Nigeria (ATCN), the country’s sole representative of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), in collaboration with the Lagos State Drivers Institute (LASDRI).
The organisers said the initiative, which will be conducted free of charge, is aimed at creating a new culture of responsible motoring by giving licensed Nigerian drivers access to structured road-safety education, testing and practical driving assessment.
Registration and safety screening for the competition will open on September 1, 2026, through its digital learning portal. The programme is open to licensed Nigerian residents aged between 18 and 65.
According to a statement signed by Ingram Osigwe, Director of Media, Communications, Marketing and Public Relations of the organising committee, participants will undergo online training covering defensive driving, road-use regulations, crash-scene management, emergency victim stabilisation during the critical “Golden Seconds” and preventive vehicle maintenance.
The training will lead to a Unified National Computer-Based Test in October, with candidates expected to sit for the examination simultaneously across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Project Director and Managing Director of Notch Captains Limited, Adrian Egonu, said the competition would use a decentralised verification system to ensure credible identity checks while eliminating the logistical difficulties associated with moving large numbers of candidates across the country.
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Under the arrangement, the three highest-scoring candidates from each state and the FCT will undergo document verification and practical screening in their respective locations in October.
The successful state and FCT champions will then converge on Lagos for the final live-action driving competition scheduled for November 7 to 10.
The final stage will test the contestants’ vehicle-handling agility, chassis control and emergency-braking precision, with the driving trials conducted before a live and televised audience.
Beyond the competition, the organisers plan to use the platform to promote emergency response awareness among motorists, particularly on what ordinary road users can safely do during the crucial first moments after a crash before professional responders arrive.
An Executive Road Safety Advocacy Gala Night will also be held ahead of the final driving trials, bringing together government representatives and senior executives of major Nigerian conglomerates to endorse a national highway safety advocacy pledge.
The initiative is also expected to deepen motorists’ understanding of vehicle insurance and risk protection through presentations by leading motor insurance institutions.
As part of its social-impact component, the organisers said official charity visits would be made to hospitals where road-crash victims are undergoing rehabilitation.
Gender inclusion is another major component of the competition, with organisers encouraging more women to enter and compete alongside their male counterparts.
The organisers have also partnered with Skinetics Med Spa on a “Glam n Drive” package, which will feature gifts and vouchers for participants throughout the tournament, subject to applicable terms and conditions.
Osigwe urged individual motorists, corporate fleet managers, transport unions and e-hailing operators to take advantage of the free training and testing opportunities when the official portal becomes operational.
He said the ultimate objective was to ensure that Naija Driver 2026 goes beyond crowning a champion to create a nationwide pool of better-trained, safety-conscious and responsible motorists.
With the competition slogan, “Drive. Compete. Lead,” the organisers said Naija Driver 2026 would seek to demonstrate that driving excellence is not merely about speed or vehicle control, but also about knowledge, discipline, emergency preparedness and respect for other road users.
Who Drives Best? Naija Driver 2026 Opens Free National Search for Driving Champion
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