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Chinese brands have taken over truck market — Taiwo Shittu, ED, Lanre Shittu Motors

Published

4 years ago

March 7, 2022

Executive Director of Lanre Shittu Motors, Mr Taiwo Shittu, speaks on high cost of vehicles, used vehicle imports and quality of Chinese brands, among other issues relating to the auto industry in this interview with some journalists in Lagos including NewsTrends

How has it been running an auto assembly plant in Nigeria?

We started our auto assembly plant in October 2018. So far, it has been a good experience for us. It has been smooth running the plant. We have two plants now; one for the truck, the other is the car assembly section.

The truck plant just won the Best Auto Plant of the Year Award in Nigeria at the Nigeria Auto Journalists Awards. I can tell you that it was based on merit. No one in the auto industry can fault it. We all know who is doing what. Our turnaround in terms of operation is high. The assembly is always busy with activities with a lot of local content. We make sure we patronise local steel industry. Most of the hard body is being done here by young Nigerians; you won’t believe the capability of these young Nigerians. They are young Nigerian engineers who have passion for what they do.

The plant is doing well. Right now, we are looking towards its expansion. We just got a grant from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, at a single digit interest rate to expand our plant. That is where we are now.

Is the car plant in the same location with the truck plant?

Yes. They are both at the Amuwo, Lagos.

How much of local content do you incorporate into assembling of vehicles now?

Right now, we source our steel from the local market. For instance, the back body/trailer body, the tipping bucket, the diesel tanks are local content; they are mainly fabricated there. We make sure we patronise indigenous companies for these materials. The same goes for our lubricants and grease. You will be surprised what some of these young Nigerians are capable of doing. Nigerians have the skills. They just need the support of the government; this is what will make the industry to develop.

The current generation of leaders must invest and make sacrifice for the development of the next generation just like the Chinese did. In those days, many people looked down on the Chinese and derided them for looking haggard and wretched. What they did not know was that they were making sacrifice for the current generation. Today, the China’s story has changed. Nigeria also needs to do the same.

Why are the locally-made/assembled vehicles still expensive and beyond the reach of the common man?

The price is still tied to imports in some way. The effect of the COVID has taken the freight rate of imported containers from about $2,000 to $16,000 and above. And that has had a significant effect on pricing of products in Nigeria. This is because most of the things we use (vehicle components) are imported from China.

And that is why I fault the media team of this government. It has failed to enlighten the public on why things are generally expensive in Nigeria.

Freight rate accounts largely for why things are expensive right now. Freight rate from China has gone up astronomically after COVID; it had never happened before. Our company is 40 years now; this is the first time freight rate will cost so much. Bringing in a container of 40 feet from China used to be around $2,000 to $3,000. It is now over $16,000.

This is what the media team of the government needs to let the people know. The current high cost of things is caused by external factor that the government has no control over. The world is facing it. It is not only in Nigeria.

The dollar or exchange rate has its own issue, but it is minimal compared to this external factor of high freight rate.

Is there anything the business community or government can do about this problem?

It is not a deliberate action. It was precipitated by COVID-19. What happened was that at the peak of the COVID infection, many people were falling sick and some dying; a lot of containers were abandoned midway on the high sea. Now, many of the containers are not back at their bases, making them to have shortage of containers. And when the demand is high, the supply is low, the result is high price.

The solution is to work on returning the containers to their home countries and ease the shortage.

Are the products being made here of the same quality with those produced abroad?

They are of the same quality. Everything is regulated by the parent company. But nobody gets to the top overnight. I will take you back to China; they did not get to where they are now overnight. Nigeria was better than China in the ‘70s. Today, China has become a reference point because their former leaders made sacrifice for the present generation. Our own leaders too must be ready to make such sacrifice. It will be tough, but the result will be sweet victory. Industrialisation is the key to economic success of any country.

Are Nigerians not making enough sacrifice already?

This has to be consistent and it should cut across all strata of the society, the followers and the leaders. There is so much greed in the system. It’s in Nigeria you see people at a buffet packing food without any thought about those waiting in a queue yet to eat.

What has been the response of people to the JAC trucks being assembled in your factory? How many have you sold?

The response has been very encouraging. We’ve sold thousands. When we signed the dealership of the truck in 2014, it was rated number 9.

But today, we are the third highest selling heavy trucks in Nigeria. But when it comes to quality, people know it is JAC truck.

Are you saying Chinese trucks are leading the truck market in Nigeria?

Yes, they have taken over the market; it’s not only in Nigeria; it is everywhere.

Is this a function of low price?

Not just low pricing but it is also in terms of quality. The truth is that the Chinese brands have come to stay. In the area of truck, you either align with them or you get out of the business. They are getting better every day and these trucks are working (well). We have a lot of key players using the trucks. How many of these European trucks can you see on the road?

What is your assessment of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) as an agency of government expected to facilitate your business?

I must say the agency has been very amazing, especially under the leadership of Jelani Aliyu as its director general. He is very sound; he has played in the big boys’ league in the US. I’m not surprised that he is performing well. We are getting a lot of support from him because he believes in this industry. I must say that with someone like him, we’re going to get there.

Government must give him more listening ear. We are lucky to have him. He is an asset to Nigeria. He has tried it in America and it worked; it will work in Nigeria too.

What has been the contribution of Lanre Shittu Motors to Nigeria after 40 years of the company’s establishment?

The company has contributed a lot to the Nigerian economy, especially when it comes to manpower, training and empowerment of young Nigerians. We have an empowerment scheme for school leavers, who have passion for automotive development.

They are trained for a period of four years and get paid even while on training. After the training, we send them to our customers across the country to service them. We ask them to get them employed, accommodated and be paid well. In some cases, they are given a car and placed on a good salary that we dictate.

We are getting good testimonies from those we sent to Kano, Bauchi, Ondo and Cross River states, among others. These are people that would have been bus conductors, touts or motor boys, now heading a facility of 300 to 500 trucks.

Those who own these trucks know that these guys taking care of the valuable vehicles are as important as their expensive trucks. Lanre Shittu Motors has done miraculously well to young Nigerians in the engineering sector, making them to actualise their dreams in life.

We have the graduate empowerment scheme too, with a different package. They are also trained for a period before we send them out to people who need their service. We have some people sending interested young graduates and school leavers to us for training.

For instance, Desmond Elliot, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, sent 10 people from his Surulere constituency to us for the scheme.

We just got a grant from the government. They have seen that what we are doing is extensive. Government did due diligence before giving out the loans. We are one of the best indigenous companies in the automobile industry.

We believe strongly in this auto policy that will make Nigeria a hub for auto producing vehicles in Africa. Government’s representatives have visited our factories a number of times and they have seen that we mean business. The plant is always busy. And in the auto industry, we are the only company that got the loan in the first set they just released.

What is your view about the crash in import duty of used vehicles by the government?

If we believe in Nigeria, we must do away with used vehicles. It’s part of the sacrifice that we need to make. We can start by making it look unattractive to reduce the volume being imported. We have to look for a good finance scheme to support the new vehicle purchase. It is not that Nigerians don’t like new vehicles; it is because finance is not there. And where there is a finance arrangement, the issue is the cost and how to pay back. If I’m buying a car on loan for my comfort, I may be sceptical about how to pay back without a reliable income. Government should therefore focus more on how to finance the commercial segment of new vehicles’ purchase. Since the vehicles are going to be used for business, it will be easy to pay back the loans. This will also generate more employment opportunities for the people. Giving a loan to anyone to buy a vehicle that will be used for business is like an asset that will bring back money. There is no way you will buy a new truck on loan for a business venture and you will not make back the money in one and a half years. And in the case of trucks, they will still be on the road for 15 years or more. Look at the farmers in the North producing tomatoes and others, most of these perishable food items get destroyed in the farm because they cannot afford the high cost of transporting these goods to the big markets in the cities like Lagos and Abuja. The cost of moving the items from Kano to Lagos can be as high as N1 million. How many of these peasant farmers can afford that? But if the government can have a finance scheme for new commercial vehicles, they would be able to buy the vehicles and promptly move the goods to Lagos, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Aba, Onitsha, Abuja and those places with high population. More people would be encouraged to return to the farm and do more.

Related Topics:Interview Lanre Shittu Taiwo Shittu

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Carloha Rides High, Plans New EV for Nigeria After Winning Global Honours

Published

2 hours ago

May 30, 2026

Trends Admin

Carloha Rides High, Plans New EV for Nigeria After Winning Global Honours

Carloha Nigeria, the authorised dealer of Chery vehicles in Nigeria, is strengthening its position in the country’s automotive industry after clinching two prestigious global awards as it unveils plans to introduce another electric vehicle (EV) into the market.

iCAUR (iCAR) is a global youth-oriented electric vehicle brand under the Chery Group, which was developed in partnership with SmartMi Tech. The brand is focused on stylish designs and smart mobility and it is currently expanding across international markets.

Carloha Nigeria received the New Star Award and Brand Leap Contribution Award at the 2026 Chery Global Summit and Beijing International Automotive Exhibition in China. This is in recognition of its rapid market growth, brand development efforts and customer engagement initiatives.

The international recognition comes as Carloha intensifies its push into Nigeria’s growing EV space, buoyed by the positive reception of the iCAUR brand among motorists, technology enthusiasts and environmentally conscious consumers.

Managing Director, Sola Adigun, said the awards validate the company’s commitment to delivering world-class automotive solutions, while the growing acceptance of iCAUR reflects increasing consumer interest in innovative and sustainable mobility options.

“The Nigerian automotive market is evolving, and consumers are becoming increasingly receptive to innovation, sustainability and smart mobility solutions.

“The success of iCAUR has encouraged us to continue investing in the future of electric mobility in Nigeria,” he said.

Adigun disclosed that plans for the launch of a new EV are at an advanced stage, describing the move as part of a broader strategy to expand consumer choice and support Nigeria’s transition to cleaner transportation.

He added, “Winning these awards on the global stage is a strong endorsement of the work our team has done in building the Chery brand in Nigeria.

“It also demonstrates that Nigerian automotive businesses can compete successfully with the best across the world.”

According to him, Nigerian customers are increasingly demanding vehicles that combine intelligent safety technologies, premium comfort, fuel efficiency and modern design, noting that these qualities were prominently showcased by Chery at the Beijing exhibition.

“Beyond selling vehicles, our goal is to provide mobility solutions that meet the evolving needs of Nigerian families and businesses while aligning with global trends in sustainability, innovation and customer experience,” Adigun said.

At Auto China 2026, Chery also showcased its latest safety and intelligent mobility technologies, including the all-new TIGGO V and its AiMOGA robotics innovations, under its new global brand philosophy, “For Family.”
General Manager, Felix Mahan, said the awards underscore Carloha Nigeria’s commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, adding that the company’s CarlohaCare 6-6-7 package continues to offer customers industry-leading aftersales support through a six-year warranty, six years of free service and a seven-day repair promise.
“This recognition reflects growing international confidence in both the Nigerian market and our ability to deliver world-class customer experience. We remain committed to making vehicle ownership easier, more affordable and more rewarding for our customers,” Mahan said.
With fresh global recognition and an expanded EV strategy, Carloha is positioning itself as one of the key players driving the future of sustainable mobility in Nigeria.

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FG Deepens CNG Expansion with 1,100-Vehicle Capacity Gas Station in Abuja

Published

12 hours ago

May 30, 2026

Trends Admin

FG Deepens CNG Expansion with 1,100-Vehicle Capacity Gas Station in Abuja

The Federal Government has intensified efforts to deepen the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in Nigeria with the commissioning of a high-capacity refuelling station in Abuja capable of serving more than 1,100 vehicles daily.

The newly inaugurated facility, developed by Rolling Energy Limited in partnership with the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF), is located in Jahi, Abuja, and is expected to significantly boost access to cleaner and more affordable transportation energy.

The project forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to expand Nigeria’s gas infrastructure, reduce reliance on petrol and diesel, and accelerate the transition to cleaner fuel alternatives under the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG).

The High Capacity CNG Daughter Booster Station has a sales capacity of 1,000 Standard Cubic Metres (SCM) per hour, supported by two CNG tube skids with a combined storage capacity of 17,000 SCM.

The station also features a Mass Conversion Centre staffed by trained technicians and equipped with conversion kits capable of converting up to 20 vehicles and 25 tricycles daily, providing practical support for motorists and commercial operators seeking to switch to gas-powered transportation.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on Friday, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the project as a major milestone in Nigeria’s drive to deepen gas utilisation and strengthen access to affordable energy solutions.

Ekpo said the facility would play a strategic role in supporting the nationwide rollout of CNG adoption, particularly as the government continues efforts to cushion the impact of rising fuel costs following the removal of petrol subsidy.

FG Deepens CNG Expansion with 1,100-Vehicle Capacity Gas Station in Abuja

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Jetour T2 Earns Top Global Safety Rating, Intensifies SUV Battle in Nigeria

Published

1 week ago

May 23, 2026

Trends Admin

Jetour T2 Earns Top Global Safety Rating, Intensifies SUV Battle in Nigeria

Jetour has thrown down the gauntlet in Nigeria’s increasingly competitive SUV market after its rugged T2 model secured the coveted NCAP 5-Star safety rating — a global benchmark regarded as the highest standard in crash protection and accident avoidance technology.

The achievement is expected to boost the brand’s appeal among Nigerian motorists seeking tough, family-oriented SUVs that combine advanced safety, luxury and off-road capability for the country’s challenging road conditions.

Jetour Nigeria discloses this in a statement, stressing that it is backing the T2 with a growing nationwide dealership and after-sales support network, including trained technicians, genuine spare parts, structured maintenance plans and warranty coverage aimed at boosting long-term ownership confidence.

Positioned as a bold “super SUV,” the Jetour T2 was designed specifically with Nigerian driving conditions in mind, according to the automaker.

In a country where motorists often encounter congested urban roads, long-distance highways and rough rural terrain within the same trip, the T2 is engineered to adapt seamlessly to changing environments.

Safety is seen as one of the vehicle’s strongest selling points. The SUV comes equipped with a comprehensive airbag system, SRS airbags, parking sensors, rear camera and surround-view monitor.

It also features advanced driver-assistance technologies such as Anti-lock Braking System, Emergency Braking Assist and Auto-Brake Assist, which help detect potential collisions and automatically apply braking when necessary.

Beyond safety, the T2 projects a muscular and commanding presence aimed at drivers looking for both ruggedness and refinement.

Jetour says the SUV was built to offer confidence for daily commuting while remaining capable enough for off-road adventures.

Inside, the cabin combines premium comfort with practical space. Measuring 4,785mm in length, 2,006mm in width and 1,880mm in height, the SUV offers generous legroom and headroom for occupants, making it suitable for long-distance travel and family use.

Under the hood, the T2 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine delivering 187kW (254hp) and 390Nm of torque.

Paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the setup provides strong acceleration, smooth overtaking capability and enough power to tackle steep inclines and demanding terrains.

A major highlight of the SUV is its advanced multi-terrain capability. The T2 features a BorgWarner sixth-generation four-wheel-drive system and XWD automatic intelligent drivetrain.

Multiple drive modes — including Sport, Eco, Normal, Mud, Rock and X Smart — allow the vehicle to adjust to varying road conditions ranging from muddy rural tracks to sandy and rocky surfaces.

Technology and convenience also feature prominently in the package. A 15.6-inch LCD touchscreen serves as the hub for infotainment, vehicle diagnostics and off-road information.

Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, intelligent voice commands, cruise control and crawl control are integrated to enhance the driving experience.

Additional features such as remote start, push-button ignition, lane departure warning and blind-spot detection further improve convenience and safety for drivers.

With the T2, Jetour is seeking to position itself as a brand that understands the realities of Nigerian roads and the increasing appetite among motorists for SUVs that combine adventure, luxury and safety without compromise.

Jetour Nigeria specifically lists its accredited dealers spread across the country as Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era AutoVehicle Services Limited, Kojo Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, Tab Autos Limited, R. T. Briscoe Motors and Mandilas Autos.