Dana Motors set to introduce CNG vehicles to Nigeria

Dana Motors Limited has announced plans to bring Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles to the Nigerian market.

This move, coming in the face of rising fuel prices and increase vehicle expenses, it says reflects Dana’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in Nigeria’s automotive sector.

This is contained in a statement by the company, stressing the need for more cost-effective transportation.

“Having previously introduced Nigeria’s first electric vehicle, the Kia Soul, Dana Motors Limited is now set to introduce a range of high-efficiency CNG-powered vehicles,” it said.

The statement quoted Vice Chairman of the Group, Francis Ogboro, as saying, “At Dana Motors Limited, our goal is to offer Nigerians innovative, eco-friendly, and budget-friendly automotive solutions.

“Introducing CNG-powered vehicles perfectly aligns with our vision to improve the quality of life for all Nigerians while addressing the rising cost of vehicle ownership.”

Ogboro added, “Recognizing the potential of CNG vehicles to transform public transportation, we are dedicated to making transit more affordable and accessible. Through this initiative, we aim to enhance the overall quality of life for Nigerians.”

CNG potential

Adding his voice to the new initiative, Vice President of Dana Motors Limited, Olu Tikolo, said, “Recognizing the potential of CNG vehicles to transform public transportation, we are dedicated to making transit more affordable and accessible. Through this initiative, we aim to enhance the overall quality of life for Nigerians.”

The impending launch of CNG-powered vehicles by Dana Motors Limited will significantly contribute to Nigeria’s efforts to reduce emissions, promote sustainability, and create a more affordable transportation system, according to the auto firm.

It stressed that Dana Motors aimed at reshaping the Nigerian automotive industry, forging a greener and more cost-effective future for all.

Fuel: 36 govs get 7-day ultimatum  on N2bn palliative spending

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given the 36 state governors a seven-day ultimatum to “disclose details on spending of the N2 billion palliative recently disbursed” to them by the Federal Government.

The money is meant to procure food items and mass transit buses to cushion effects of fuel subsidy removal on the people.

The group also asked the state governments to name beneficiaries of the funds and details of the reliefs so far provided with the money.

According to reports, the Federal Government recently disbursed N2 billion out of the N5 billion palliative package for each state of the federation and the federal capital territory (FCT), to address the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy.

In the open letter dated September 9, 2023 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said, “It is in the public interest to publish the details on spending of the N2 billion palliative and any subsequent disbursement of funds to your government.”

SERAP said, “Nigerians have the right to know how their states are spending the fuel subsidy relief funds. It is part of their legally enforceable human rights.”

According to the group, “transparency and accountability in the spending of the N2 billion and any subsequent disbursement to your state would help to reduce the risk of corruption, mismanagement, diversion, or opportunism.”

It also stated, “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter.

“If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and your state to comply with our request in the public interest.”

AGBEDE unveils programme, incentives for NURTW members

The newly inaugurated President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers( NURTW), Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede, has unveiled programmes and projects that his administration would be pursing in its first 100 days in office for the members and staff of the union nationwide.

He spoke in Abuja on Thursday while addressing members of the Central Working Committee (CWC).

The union’s CWC is made up of state council chairmen and secretaries from all the 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), all the six zonal chairmen and secretary

Addressing the members, Agbede stated that new administration under his leadership will operate and open door policy where all members will be carried along

He explained that his team would hit the ground running with series of programmes to improve the welfare of members and workers.

“As tradition, there are certain tasks we plan to achieve in our first 100 days in office and by the special grace of God, we shall accomplish them.”

Firstly, the new leadership will try to restore hope among our members and the system. Presently, the spirit of our people are down; we need to come up with programmes that will lift up their spirits.

Secondly, the new leadership will work with major stakeholders to make sure that all the state councils in the south West return to NURTW fold.

Already, we have started the process; and very soon, Oyo, Ogun,Osun, Ondo and Lagos state councils will return to us. Baruwa destroyed the union in the South West because of his selfish interest.

“Thirdly, you will all agree with me that this is a very difficult period for our line of business (transportation) because of fuel subsidy removal policy. So, to reduce the burden on our members, the NURTW will work with the Federal Government to make sure that all the palliatives for transporters are channelled through our union and our members will be major beneficiaries.”
For members of staff, Agbede said that the union under his leadership would give workers’ welfare a priority.

“All the goodies and benefits previously being enjoyed by members under the administration of Alhaji Najeem Yasin will re-introduced,” he added.

To the union elders, he assured them that their labour and sweat would not be in vain as the union planned to put machinery in place to boost their wellbeing.

He used the opportunity to appeal to the former President, Alhaji Tajudeen Baruwa, to forward his handover note and render account of his stewardship.

He also implored all the senior officers to return all the union property such as vehicles, cash and other materials to the national headquarters to avoid embarrassment, as the new leadership would use every legitimate means to recover all union’s property carted away.

Members from various states pledged their support to the new NURTW under Agbede.

Earlier, the Acting General secretary welcomed every body and assured them that the national headquarters would operate an open door policy.

He said they should disregard any information that did not emanate from the headquarters of the union.