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Tinubu inaugurates first set of 30 Innoson CNG buses to boost transportation

Published

1 month ago

August 14, 2024

Tinubu inaugurates first set of 30 Innoson CNG buses to boost transportation

President Bola Tinubu has commissioned the first set of 30 Compressed Natural Gas, CNG-powered city buses at the Presidential Villa in Abuja aimed at boosting public transportation.

The hybrid buses, which engines can alternate between CNG and diesel as fuel, were built in Nnewi, Anambra State, by Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Ltd (IVM).

The launch is in fulfilment of the Tinubu administration’s promise to reduce the pains of the removal of subsidy on fuel,

Twenty of the 100-seater long buses with hand grips for standing passengers, were procured by the Depots and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) and while the remaining 10 were bought by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and donated to the Federal Government.

Commissioning the buses shortly after the Federal Executive Council meeting, the President Tinubu had applauded Innoson Vehicles and its Chairman, Chief Chukwuma, for investing in the production of CNG vehicles which is in line with government’s initiative.

The President described CNG as “an economic necessity that we must embrace” in order to reap the benefits of transiting from diesel and petrol to cheaper and greener autogas.

Tinubu said that utilising natural gas to power the nation’s transportation industry would reduce costs, enhance productivity and save the nation trillions of naira spent on the importation of petrol and diesel.

He states further, “If we can enhance our energy competitiveness and bring about transformative changes like this, we will be able to achieve the prosperity we are working hard to accomplish for our people.

“These CNG buses are encouraging and promising to enhance our transportation system, ” he said.

The President disclosed that commercial vehicles account for over 80 per cent of the nation’s petrol demand, citing examples of several countries, including India, that had switched to CNG for their transportation systems and reaping the benefits since 2004.

“Countries like India have mandated CNG for all commercial vehicles since 2004.

“In Nigeria, commercial vehicles make up about 80 per cent of our petroleum demand, costing us trillions of naira every month.

“The solution is here. We have it. We will work on it. We promise you things will get better. Prosperity will be achieved.”

Commenting on the importance of the autogas vehicles, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris, said the hybrid nature of the buses manufactured by Innoson reflected the efforts of the Federal Government to transit from the traditional fuels to CNG.

Idris stated, “What you are seeing is the process of transition. It is also not expedient to put aside the traditional system. It is hybrid for now, and we hope that at the end of the day, there will be a complete transition to CNG. “What you are witnessing now (hybrid), is that in the event that you have some challenges, which is expected at the beginning, you can still rely on PMS (Premium Motor Spirit or petrol) or diesel, as the case may be.”

Also speaking at the event, the Chairperson of DAPPMAN, Winifred Akpani, declared her association’s support for the administration’s commitment to enhancing the nation’s transportation system, which she noted would lead to lower transportation costs.

She said, “This batch of hybrid buses, which DAPPMAN is donating to the Federal Government, furthers our support for this administration’s resolve to address Nigeria’s energy challenges.

“We are proud to note that these buses have been designed, manufactured, and delivered by Innoson Motors, a Nigerian company.”

The commissioning of the vehicles on Monday, August 12, 2024, came only four days after the President held a closed-door meeting with the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, CON, at the Aso Rock Villa, on August 8, 2024.

Chukwuma had informed that the commuting public would soon enjoy cheaper transportation through Compressed Natural Gas-powered buses.

“I’ve discussed with him (President Tinubu) and in a short time, the masses, the public will have enough CNG busses on the road,” he told journalists after the meeting.

The Nnewi-based auto manufacturer had hinted at an ongoing partnership between his company and the Federal Government and described the Presidential CNG Initiative as “the way forward” for Nigeria.

Related Topics:CNG buses Innoson Motors Tinubu

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CNG: Motorists get N230/SCM, free conversion for Lagos vehicles

Published

4 days ago

September 13, 2024

Trends Admin

CNG: Motorists get N230/SCM, free conversion for Lagos vehicles

The Federal Government has announced a new programme offering free Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion for vehicles at six designated sites across Lagos State.

On Thursday, Lagos State’s Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, shared the news via his official X account, highlighting that this initiative is part of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi).

According to him, the conversion would begin on Friday, September 13, from 3 pm to 6 pm, at six designated locations as part of Operation First Come, First Serve.

The first 50 vehicles that pass inspection at each of the six locations will be fitted with free CNG conversion kits, allowing owners to refuel at N230 per SCM of CNG at any NIPCO station, leading to significant savings compared to petrol.

Osiyemi encouraged residents to seize this opportunity to benefit from the initiative.

CNG: Motorists get N230/SCM, free conversion for Lagos vehicles

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TCAN to host Nigeria Transport Sector Summit October 17

Published

1 week ago

September 9, 2024

Trends Admin

TCAN to host Nigeria Transport Sector Summit October 17

Forum to discuss intermodal transport challenges, prospects for Nigeria

Stakeholders are gearing up to attend a maiden edition of the Nigeria Transport Sector Summit, an annual forum for all industry major players, regulators and professionals to brainstorm on issues germane to the development of the transportation sector.

Organisers of the forum, the Transportation Correspondents Association of Nigeria (TCAN), said the event would hold on Thursday October 17, 2024 at Radisson Hotel Ikeja, Lagos.

A statement on Monday, signed by Chairman of TCAN, Mr Yinka Aderibigbe, and the event’s Organising Committee Chairman, Mr Rasheed Bisiriyu, gave the theme of this year’s event as ‘Intermodal Transport: Prospects and Challenges’.

The forum is expected to be declared open by the Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali, while former Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, would deliver the keynote address, the statement added.

The statement said, “The focus on intermodal transportation in the maiden edition of the annual summit is deliberate. It is aimed at bringing together relevant stakeholders across all subsectors of the transport industry with a view to forming a working synergy rather than working at cross-purposes.

“Such arrangement will engender seemly operation greater efficiency through lower costs, operational flexibility and reduced environmental impact that will ultimately benefit all.”

Already, TCAN said a team of speakers had been carefully selected to do justice to the issue under focus.

It said a panel of discussants featuring some relevant members of the intelligentsia, heads of prominent agencies/organisations would speak to the sub-themes of the summit around railway, road, inland waterways and aviation sub-sectors of the transportation industry.

An industry journal produced by TCAN would be formally unveiled as one of the highpoints of the event, the statement added.

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Carloha unbeatable discount on Chery Tiggo 2 excites new car buyers at Mega Plaza display

Published

2 weeks ago

September 4, 2024

Trends Admin

Carloha unbeatable discount on Chery Tiggo 2 excites new car buyers at Mega Plaza display

Carloha Nigeria’s spectacular three-day display event at Mega Plaza from August 30, 2024, to September 1, 2024 may have come and gone. But the experience at the event is still being discussed and reverberating among new car buyers in Lagos and beyond.
Of particular interest is the unbeatable discount offered by the company on the Chery Tiggo 2.
Visitors who attended the event were able to take advantage of special pricing of N25m promotion, making it the perfect time to consider a new vehicle purchase.
The limited-time offers created a buzz, leading to numerous inquiries, it was learnt.
A statement by the management of Carloha Nigeria said, “This exclusive offer for Tiggo 2 Pro at Mega Plaza is one of the many ways of making Chery vehicle ownership easy and affordable for all customers in Nigeria”
It was discovered that the exclusive offer for Tiggo 2 Pro during the Mega Plaza display was considerably the best price for a new car anywhere.
The company further stated that Carloha had raised the bar, by providing automotive solutions that would bring peace of mind to our numerous customers.
“The six-year free service along with six years warranty or 200,000-kilometer whichever comes first, is a great aftersale incentive to boost customers’ confidence in their purchase decision,” it stated.
Carloha has established adequate aftersales service network covering major cities in every state of Nigeria, ensuring that car owners can enjoy reliable services no matter their location.
According to the statement, Chery has a team of over 10 Chinese technical engineers and local technicians who offer on-site guidance to solve any car-related issues, ensuring a worry-free driving experience for owners.
The event was found to be a resounding success, drawing in automotive enthusiasts and potential car buyers, who seized the unique opportunity to experience the dynamic world of Chery firsthand and explore the remarkable features of the Chery Tiggo 2, one of the brand’s standout models.
The event showcased the Chery Tiggo 2, a compact SUV that has been turning heads with its stylish design, robust features, and unbeatable value.
Visitors had the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the Tiggo 2, learning about its features, performance, and what sets it apart from other vehicles in its class.
During the three-day display, Chery Tiggo 2 stood out as a favourite among visitors.
The Tiggo 2 boasts a modern and sleek design, with a bold front grille, sharp headlights, and dynamic lines that give it a sporty yet sophisticated appearance. It’s a car that turns heads wherever it goes.
Inside, the Tiggo 2 offers a spacious and well-designed cabin, equipped with comfortable seating for up to five passengers.
High-quality materials and thoughtful touches, such as adjustable seats and ample legroom, ensure a comfortable ride for all.
The Tiggo 2 comes loaded with technology features designed to enhance the driving experience.
It includes a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and a multifunction steering wheel, keeping drivers connected and entertained on the go.
Safety is a top priority with the Tiggo 2. It comes equipped with multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, a rearview camera, and parking sensors, providing peace of mind to both drivers and passengers.
Chery vehicles use more than 60 per cent high-strength steel, which provides effective protection for passengers in case of an accident, even in areas of the car that are not visible.
Powered by a 1.5L petrol engine, the Tiggo 2 strikes an excellent balance between performance and fuel efficiency. It offers smooth handling, responsive steering, and a comfortable ride, making it perfect for both city driving and weekend getaways.
The event was not only just about cars but also about creating memorable experiences for customers.
There were also live demonstrations by Chery experts who provided detailed insights into the vehicle’s features and capabilities.
Following the success of the Mega Plaza event, Carloha says it is excited to announce plans for future displays and events, where more exclusive deals and exciting activities will be unveiled. It added that those who missed the opportunity to attend the event would have new chances to experience Chery vehicles up close and personal.
“Carloha and Chery would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who visited the display at Mega Plaza.
“Your visit made the event a huge success,” it declared, and urged people interested in other Chery vehicles to visit https://www.chery.com.ng.
Carloha is the authorised importer and assembler of Chery vehicles in Nigeria.