Fund auto credit scheme with import duty, stakeholders tell FG – Newstrends
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Fund auto credit scheme with import duty, stakeholders tell FG

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Fund auto credit scheme with import duty, stakeholders tell FG

Key operators in the automotive industry are demanding the creation of vehicle credit scheme using import levies collected on automobiles.
They also called on President Bola Tinubu to sign into law the National Auto Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) bill to give local and foreign investors more confidence in the sector.
These are parts of their resolutions after a recent Nigeria auto industry summit held in Lagos as contained in a communique.
The event was organised in Lagos by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association in collaboration with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC).

The Federal Government had in the past made efforts to set an auto finance scheme but they were aborted somehow.

For instance, a South African bank was to spearhead the project at a time but it backed out midway.

Some three Nigerian banks were mentioned in connection with the next phase under Aliyu Jelani as NADDC DG but the effort did not materialise, making it difficult to buy new vehicles with low-interest loans.
“The proceeds of the ‘levy’ charged on the importation of passenger vehicles should be used for its purpose, which is the development of the automotive industry, ‘especially in the area of Vehicle Credit Scheme’, the communique stated .
The communique, which was delivered to the Presidency and the National Assembly on Monday, July 8th, 2024.
also noted that the NAIDP was key to the development of the nation’s economy.
They therefore urged the President to sign it into law in order to provoke OEMs’ confidence in the nation’s economy and erase their fears of policy summersault.
In the 19-paragraph communiqué made available to journalists on Thursday, prominent auto firms, among other medium-term measures, stressed that while passing the NAIDP, a provision backing compulsory patronage of locally assembled/manufactured vehicles by all government functionaries, establishments, agencies and parastatals must be re-enacted and implemented.
The stakeholders charged the government at all levels to patronise only vehicles made or assembled in Nigeria, as a way of leading by example, saving foreign exchange and securing jobs.
In the same vein, they charged the National Assembly to review the zero differentials between import of Fully Built Up (FBU) and Completely Knocked Down (CKD) commercial vehicles, which presently stands at 10 per cent.
On what they described as an unclear process utilized in the recent launch and allocation of 1000 units of CNG vehicles to local assemblers, the stakeholders asked the National Assembly to, when passing the NAIDP, incorporate a provision that mandates the Federal Government to give a fair chance for all existing auto assemblers and manufacturers to partake in supplies of CNG vehicles to the government
The communique read also read in part, “The government must simplify the CNG process by harmonizing the workings of the Federal Ministry of Finance and that of the Nigeria Customs Service on the issue of gazetted duty free allowance on CNG equipment.
“The government must ensure that all imported used vehicles, including salvaged ones, must be accompanied by certificates of integrity by originating countries.
“The government should tackle inadequate access to finance through its fiscal and monetary policies; take a second look at interest rates offered by Nigerian banks which are significantly higher compared to other countries.”
As a long term measure, the stakeholders urged the Federal Government to aggressively incentivize CKD assembly through contract manufacturing to leverage the nation’s existing automotive assembly capacities and expeditiously restart the automotive industry from its heights in the 1980s.
“The government,” they stated further, “should develop and implement an automotive raw materials and component manufacturing master plan.”
Also stated in the communiqué is a call on the government to revive tyre, battery, and glass manufacturing as a precursor to revamping local manufacture of: welded parts (exhaust system, seat frames); electrical parts (batteries, trafficators, wiring harness); plastic and rubber parts (tyres, tubes, fan blades, seat foam, oil seals, hoses, radiator grills, etc); radiator, cables, filters, brake pads/linings, windscreens, side glasses, fibre-glass parts, paints; rubber products (tyres) and thereafter, other Tier 2 and aftermarket components.
The summit was attended by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, Director General of NADDC, Mr. Joseph Osanipin and representatives of key auto industry stakeholders, the Nigeria Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA), Automotive Local Component Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (ALCMAN), Lagos State government and Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

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FCT traffic service confirms sale of number plates by touts

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FCT traffic service confirms sale of number plates by touts

The Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), Federal Capital Territory (FCT), yesterday advised  residents not to patronise touts in registering  their vehicles.

A statement by the Director, DRTS, Abdulateef Bello said: “ The Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), Federal Capital Territory (FCT), wishes to inform the general public that the current scarcity of vehicle number plates in the FCT is due to irregular and insufficient supply from the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS) Plant and efforts are ongoing to remedy the situation.

“We also wish to draw the attention of the motoring public to the activities of fraudsters impersonating DRTS officials in the attempt to take advantage of the situation to exploit vehicle owners.

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“The DRTS firmly disassociates itself from these illegal activities and strongly caution members of the public against dealing with any individual either staff or agent who claim to be in position of number plates outside what is uploaded in the DRTS self-service portal (https://selfservice.fctevreg.com).

“Moreover, in order to ensure transparency, the approved costs of number plates and related services are readily available on our official communication platforms, and particularly our website.

“The Directorate therefore encourages the public to stick and insist on the stipulated prices.

‘‘In collaboration with the Security Agencies, the Directorate has intensified efforts to bring these impostors to justice.’’

“We urge the public to report suspicious individuals or illegal activities to the Management of the DRTS. The DRTS remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering transparent, efficient, and accountable services to the motoring public”.

 

FCT traffic service confirms sale of number plates by touts

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Easter travels: ABC Transport injects 2025 Toyota Hiace buses into operations

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Easter travels: ABC Transport injects 2025 Toyota Hiace buses into operations

Ahead of Easter, ABC Transport Plc has added a fleet of brand new, 2025 model Toyota Hiace buses to its operations.

This, it said in a statement, was a strategic move to enhance customer satisfaction and operational reliability.
It aligns with the company’s mission of providing safer, more reliable, and comfortable travel experiences, particularly during the busy Easter season.
The new vehicles, which are equipped with state-of-the-art GPS trackers and speed limiter devices, are part of ABC Transport’s historic culture of prioritising passenger safety.

These features, which are standard across the company’s entire fleet, allow for real-time monitoring and ensure adherence to safe driving practices.
Apart from the fleet upgrade, ABC Transport recently concluded its quarterly Pre-Peak Season Crew Seminar, aimed at reinforcing the company’s commitment to safety, maintenance, and customer service ethics.

It said the seminar provided a platform to engage all crew members, focusing on best practices in vehicle handling, passenger care, and emergency preparedness.
Speaking on the importance of these initiatives, Managing Director of ABC Transport Plc, Mr. Jude Nneji, said, “Safety and service excellence are at the heart of everything we do at ABC Transport.

“The addition of these modern vehicles, coupled with our crew’s enhanced training, ensures that passengers can travel with peace of mind and enjoy an exceptional travel experience, even during the high-demand Easter season.”

The 2025 Toyota Hiace buses, known for their durability and fuel efficiency, also feature air-conditioned interiors and spacious seating, making them ideal for long-distance travel.

Designed to handle Nigeria’s road conditions, these vehicles further solidify ABC Transport’s reputation as a leader in the intercity transport sector.
Industry analysts view this dual approach—upgrading fleet technology and investing in human capital—as a testament to ABC Transport’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve.
This is also in line with the trend of new fleet injections and investments that have been noticed at ABC Transport since late last year following the acquisition of over 50 heavy duty trucks in their Haulage and Logistics subsidiaries as well as wide adoption of CNG in its Haulage division.
ABC Transport Plc is Nigeria’s foremost provider of intercity and regional transport services, known for its focus on innovation, safety, and customer satisfaction.

It is also the most diversified and only publicly quoted transport company in Nigeria listed on the Nigerian Stock exchange.

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Massilia Motors launches new Mitsubishi L200 with low fuel consumption, advanced engineering 

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Massilia Motors launches new Mitsubishi L200 with low fuel consumption, advanced engineering 

L-R: CFAO Nigeria Country Delegate, Mr. Regis Tromeur; GMD/CEO, Kewalram Chanrai Group, Mr Siva Subramaniam; Deputy Managing Director, CFAO Mobility, Mr. Kunle Jaiyesimi; Managing Director of Massilia Motors, Olivier Lamoure; and General Manager, Sales, Massilia Motors, Mr. Tunji Itiola at the launching of the All-New Mitsubishi L 200 at Eko Atlantic, Lagos …on Friday, April 11, 2025

 

The all-new Mitsubishi L200 pickup, a 2025 edition, has been formally unveiled in Nigeria, courtesy of Massilia Motors.

Massilia Motors, the sole distributor of Mitsubishi brand of vehicles in the country and a joint venture with CFAO Mobility, says the new L200 pickup is coming with low fuel consumption, advanced engineering and ultra-tough characteristics, making it a versatile vehicle for various terrains and conditions.

The unveiling event took place at Eko Atlantic, Victoria Island, Lagos, where guests had the opportunity to experience the new pickup firsthand.

The new L200, already recognized worldwide and well-known in Nigeria, has been completely redefined in this latest model.

It features advanced engineering and ultra-tough characteristics, making it a versatile vehicle for various terrains and conditions.
The L200 is equipped with an All-New Chassis frame for improved ride and handling; lessen noise and vibration; durability; anti-corrosion; crash safety; better body size and wider interior.
The chassis frame is built with high-tensile materials to withstand tough terrain and ensure reliable performance in any condition, complemented by a redesigned suspension system.

Inside, the L200 is designed for comfort, even during long trips, with advanced technology and a thoughtfully crafted living space, according to Massilia.
The new suspension fine tune has some unique features that include Front – Double wishbone that is optimized longer stroke by geometry; Rear – Leaf spring (3 layers) with less friction.

The vehicle, powered by a six-speed manual gearbox on a 2.4-litre petrol engine, features a distinctive grille and appearance, and has won several awards, including the 2024-2025 Japan Car of the Year Design Award.
Built on inherited Pajero DNA with 4WD performance for reliability and ruggedness, Mitsubishi’s Anti-lock braking system (ABS) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution applies brake force while cornering to maintain vehicle stability and optimize traction, preventing torque loss.

The system adjusts engine output and applies brake force to spinning wheels as needed, always ensuring driver safety.
Mitsubishi has also focused on driver and passenger comfort with newly designed seats inspired by their rally heritage, providing excellent body support.

The upgraded air-conditioning system offers adjustable airflow for personalized comfort. Ample storage space and a bucket space of up to 2340mm x 1580mm makes it ideal for various tasks.

Other interior features include a 9-inch infotainment system and a new 7-inch multi-information display and outstanding cabin comfort because of better head and leg room for passengers.

The vehicle is designed to provide slip-resistant footing for safe and easy entry and exit, even in wet or slippery conditions.

The rear bumper corner allows for more foot space when the tailgate is open, featuring the largest step area in its segment.
Managing Director of Massilia Motors, Olivier Lamoure, highlighted the fact that the new L200 comes with lower fuel consumption aided by improved Aero Dynamics with roof and rear spoiler combination.

Another striking feature of the new vehicle is its enhanced cargo and payload capacity with improved turning radius of 6.2m from 5.9m, as well as higher ground clearance from 200mm to 212mm all to guarantee better driver manoeuvrability.
Lamoure added, “At Massilia Motors, it is important for us to give the keys to the customer so they can personally test the vehicle and share their impressions.

“Whether for personal use or for their business, performance and reliability are proven in the field, not in a showroom. This hands-on approach allows customers to truly experience the vehicle’s capabilities.”

Massilia Motors says it also offers prospective customers free test drive which can be booked via www.mitsubishi-motors.com.ng , where further information about the vehicle can also be obtained.
The L200 has a rich history, tracing its roots back to the Forte launched in 1978. Over the past 47 years, about 5.7 million units have been produced across five generations and sold in approximately 150 countries. The latest model continues this legacy with its high-rigidity RISE body, designed to absorb energy and minimize cabin deformation in the event of a crash.
The L200 has also received international accolades, including a five-star rating from Latin NCAP and recognition at the 2024 Arab Car of the Year awards, where it was named “Best Mid-size Pickup”.

Massilia names variants available for the Nigerian market as the Double Cab and Single Cab, adding that it offers genuine spare parts, after-sales services, and a warranty of three years or 100,000km.

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