Lagos, CIG to roll out 1,000 SUVs for new taxi scheme

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, says the state government has signed a partnership agreement with CIG Motors for the commencement of an e-hailing taxi scheme with 1,000 units of Sport Utility Vehicles.

He said the state government had also entered into a joint venture agreement with the auto firm for the establishment of a vehicle assembly plant in the state.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Gboyega Akosile, said the two agreements would be run by a state-owned corporation, IBILE Holdings Limited.

The governor said the ride-hailing scheme was initiated to create jobs and economic opportunities, as well as give residents a better choice in road transport.

The governor said, “The transport scheme, which is to be known as Lagos Ride, is in fulfilment of our desire to give Lagos residents better transportation choices. The modern ride-hailing service is one of the state government’s socio-economic intervention programmes, which will be professionally.

“As we also sign the Joint Venture Agreement for the establishment of Motor Assembly Plant, Lagosians should expect a roll-out of vehicles from this plant within the next 18 months.

“I urge other stakeholders and private investors to collaborate with us to sustain the scheme. We have the political and administrative will to ensure business survives in Lagos.”

Sanwo-Olu added that cooperative society in the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment would give operators brand new SUVs for four years, during which they would pay a monthly instalment.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Frederic Oladehinde, said the assembly plant and the taxi scheme would boost socio-economic activities and support the development of ancillary enterprises in the transportation sector.

He said the plant and the taxi scheme would improve socio-economic activities and support the development of ancillary enterprises in transport sector.

The Chairman of CIG Motors Company Limited, Diana Chen, said, “My teams are ready to work with 100 per cent effort to build GAC Motors in Nigeria to the highest level. This international joint venture project will boost Chinese business communities both in Nigeria and China.

“I assure you that we will use this partnership as a best example to introduce and promote a greater Lagos where greater opportunities abound.”