Lagos begins BRT buses conversion to CNG, unveils 2,000 Nigeria-assembled GAC vehicles

Lagos begins BRT buses conversion to CNG, unveils 2,000 Nigeria-assembled GAC vehicles

 

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, says the state government has commenced the conversion of some of its mass transit (BRT) buses to run on compressed natural gas (CNG) in view of the high cost of petrol and diesel after the removal of petrol subsidy.

He disclosed this on Tuesday at the launch of the unveiling of 2,000 new vehicles assembled at the GAC automobile assembly plant in the Ogba area of Lagos.

The governor said some CNG conversion kits were brought in suitable for the BRT buses to run on natural gas.

“We have some new BRT buses to be converted to run on CNG. Already conversion kits have been ordered for this purpose,” he said.

He expressed excitement at the completion of a total of 2,000 vehicles assembled at the Lagos plant.

The plant was built with initial annual production of 5,000 vehicles and capacity to extend to 50,000 units.

This is coming two years after his administration signed a joint venture agreement with the CIG Motors, a Chinese automobile company, for the project.

The facility will be jointly run by the state government and CIG for the production of GAC brand of vehicles.

The establishment of the vehicle assembly plant in Lagos was part of the bilateral agreement reached by the Sanwo-Olu administration and Chinese Investors’ Community during the governor’s business trip to China in November 2019.

Sanwo-Olu said, “Today, we applaud a remarkable milestone of assembling 2,000 brand new vehicles right on Lagos soil, as our vibrant city now hosts a thriving hub of automotive excellence. “The opening of this Vehicle Assembly Plant is a glowing emblem of our state’s openness to investments that foster job creation, skill development, wealth creation, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

“The milestone is not merely a numeric achievement; it’s an epitome of multi-sectoral progress that stands to benefit Lagosians.

“The ripple effect of this investment extends far beyond the automotive sector. It has ushered in a new dawn of employment, providing our industrious youths with well-deserved jobs, thereby significantly reducing unemployment in Lagos.

“The skill transfer and technical training programmes initiated by CIG Motors have empowered many unemployed individuals, arming them with the requisite skills to thrive in today’s competitive job market.

“This initiative is nothing short of visionary. Through increased economic activity, supply chain development and ancillary businesses, wealth is being created and evenly distributed among our people.

“This synergy will not only provide affordable and quality transportation for Lagosians but also will open up a plethora of entrepreneurial opportunities for many.”

Sanwo-Olu said the plant, which spans 35,000 square metres, would raise the quality of life and standard of living as it would crash the cost of brand new GAC vehicles in the local market and reduce dependence on second-hand vehicles imported from overseas (Tokunbo).

He said although the plant was built to assemble cars locally, the efficiency would meet international standards.

GAC vehicles, he said, were designed for comfort and easy maintenance, adding, “They are durable, well suited to our roads and climate.”

The governor pledged his commitment to the growth of the automobile sector through business-friendly regulations, provision of infrastructure and investments in quality technical education to produce world-class workforce.

Chairman of CIG Motors, Chief Diana Chen, said the assembly plant was designed in three phases to respond to market demands for GA4, GS3, GS4 and GS8 models of GAC brand.

The full operation of assembly plant, she said, would raise annual production capacity from 5,000 to 50,000 units annually.

Chen said, “We are proud to have Lagos State Government as our JV partner. Today, in Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos State, we have a fully automated world-class vehicle production line that is tested, verified and fully operational; owing primarily to the successful PPP between our company and the Lagos State.

“I specially commend Governor Sanwo-Olu for his transformational and excellent leadership. The success of this project is a loud message to the global investment community that Nigeria, especially Lagos is ready for business.”

According to her  the assembly plant has production and quality inspection workshops, comprising three automated lines – the Trim Line, Chassis Line and Final Line.