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Transporters cry foul over alleged diversion of N10bn COVID-19 bailout

Published

5 years ago

April 4, 2021

There is growing discontent among transport operators over reported disbursement of N10bn funds promised them by the Federal Government to ease the effects of last year’s prolonged COVID-19 lockdown on their business.

While the Federal Government claimed to have released the money to transporters, luxury bus owners and city bus operators said none of them had received the intervention funds.

The transport operators said they had continued to wait for the funds in vain after submitting documents to the Federal Government for verification as requested.

PTONA had earlier in 2020 estimated a loss of about N200bn in revenue just in 10 weeks of the lockdown.

Another major operator who spoke under anonymity said that when they approached the Federal Ministry of Transportation, they were directed to the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.

On getting to the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the source disclosed that they were told that the money had been disbursed to Keke-Napep riders

Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria also claimed its members had not benefited from the fund.

Confirming their position, the National President of RTEAN, Alhaji Musa Muhammed, said he was not aware of the funds disbursement.

“I am not aware of any N10bn palliative. We have not seen anything. The only money which some of our members got was the N30,000 MSME fund and not many people got the money,” Muhammed said.

It was learnt that among the operators who have been asked to submit documents for verification were the interstate luxury bus operators under the aegis of the PTONA.

Having lost billions of naira due to the 98-day lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they had expected they would deploy the palliative to beef up their business but they are yet to benefit.

In a letter dated March 28, 2021 addressed to the Minister of State for Transportation,

Gbemisola Saraki, and signed by the Deputy President, Emeka Mamah, the group pleaded for the verification of two key issues as it concerned the funds.

First, PTONA asked the minister to correct apparent confusion in treating the N10 billion covid-19 palliative fund approved for Road Transporters as MSME Survival fund domiciled with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.

The group also asked for immediate disbursement of the N10bn COVID-19 palliative fund to their members to prevent imminent collapse of interstate passenger transport companies in Nigeria.

According to PTONA, efforts made to secure an appointment to pay a working visit to the minister to discuss issues relating to the undue delay in disbursing the funds to road transporters was not granted.

“However, in your reply to our letter dated 3rd March, 2021 (a copy is attached) our request for the visit was neither approved nor rejected. On the contrary, you simply advised our association to redirect its inquiry regarding the fund to the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment since the intervention fund for the transport sector had been released to the ministry by the Federal Government,” the group stated in the letter.

Lamenting further, PTONA insisted that the N10 billion Covid-19 palliatives fund approved by the Federal was totally different from the N60 billion MSME Survival Fund domiciled with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, adding that “the N10 billion COVID-19 Palliative Fund was meant to assist road transporters to resuscitate their businesses that were on negative income throughout the 14 weeks that the country was on complete lockdown for all interstate passenger movement due to Covid-19 Pandemic.”

“On the other hand, an aspect of the N60 billion MSME Survival Fund domiciled with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment is a one-off grant designed to support vulnerable Micro Small and Medium Enterprises in meeting up their salary obligations under the Federal Government’s National Economic Sustainability Plan (NESP),” PITONA added.

Several efforts were made to reach the Director of Press in the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Mr Eric Ojiekwe, but he neither answered his calls nor responded to a text message sent to his phone.

Related Topics:Featured N10bn COVID-19 bailout transporters

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CFAO Mobility Open Day to offer special deals on new vehicles, parts, diagnostics

Published

7 days ago

April 10, 2026

Trends Admin

CFAO Mobility Open Day to offer special deals on new vehicles, parts, diagnostics

CFAO Mobility has announced plans to host the 2026 edition of its flagship CFAO Mobility Open Day, aimed at showcasing a wide range of innovative mobility solutions.

In a statement, the company said the event would take place on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos, from 9am to 6pm.

The Open Day is expected to bring together leading global automotive and equipment brands in a dynamic exhibition tailored to meet diverse mobility needs.

Participating brands are Toyota, BYD, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Fuso, JCB, Howo, Sino Equipment, King Long, TechKing Tyres, Yamaha, Winpart and Auto Fast.

According to CFAO Mobility, attendees will experience an extensive display of products and services, ranging from brand-new vehicles and motorcycles to outboard engines, fleet management solutions, spare parts and aftermarket services.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will also feature test drives, professional vehicle diagnostics and exclusive spare-parts deals, offering participants a hands-on and engaging experience.

The company urged car enthusiasts, business owners and prospective buyers to take advantage of the Open Day to explore mobility solutions tailored to their personal and business needs.

With over 120 years of presence in Nigeria, CFAO Mobility remains a key player in the mobility and healthcare sectors.

It added that the Open Day reflects its continued commitment to delivering innovative, customer-focused mobility solutions.

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Jetour set to ignite Lagos with four-day automotive experience

Published

1 week ago

April 9, 2026

Trends Admin

Jetour set to ignite Lagos with four-day automotive experience

Lovers of sophisticated and elegant SUVs in Lagos are about to witness a combination of automotive engineering and urban lifestyle as Jetour Nigeria announces the hosting of a flagship event, “The Jetour Experience,” a four-day immersive festival designed to redefine how Nigerians interact with the road.

From April 16 to 19, 2026, The Podium in Lekki, Lagos, will be transformed into a high-energy hub where sleek design meets high-octane entertainment. This is not just a standard car show; it’s a curated lifestyle destination, says the organisers in a statement.

The four-day event is said to promise a fusion of horsepower, high fashion, and plenty of fun.

Tagged “The Jetour Experience,” the four-day extravaganza is not just about gleaming chrome and leather seats; it is a high-octane celebration aimed at blurring the lines between mobility and entertainment.

Specifically, it stated that the exhibition would feature test drives, virtual reality gaming, fitness sessions, and interactive activities with branded giveaways.

The statement added that the arena would buzz with entertainment, including contests and interactive games, giving guests the chance to win exclusive branded gifts and prizes.

In a massive show of force, Jetour says it is partnering with its seven prestigious accredited dealers—Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era Autovehicle Services Limited, Kojo Motors, R.T. Briscoe, Tab Autos Limited, Mandilas Motors, and Germaine Auto Centre —to bring their full fleet to the public.

Whether you are an eco-conscious commuter or an off-road adventurer, the lineup has something for everyone, according to a statement by the Jetour Nigeria.

The Urban Explorers: X50 and X70

The Sophisticates: X70 Plus and X90 Plus

The Eco-Warriors: X70 PHEV and T2 PHEV (Plug-in Hybrids)

The Icons: The rugged T2 and the razor-sharp Dashing

Jetour is blurring the lines between mobility and entertainment. Running daily from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, the event promises a packed itinerary designed to keep the adrenaline pumping.

Visitors will also push limits during test drives, explore virtual reality (VR) gaming such as foosball, and take part in curated fitness sessions.

In a creative masterstroke, the grand finale will feature a car runway fashion show. Attendees can expect a visual feast where automotive engineering meets sartorial elegance, reinforcing the idea that a Jetour is not just a vehicle but a fashion statement.

The firm stated, “Beyond the glitz, the event maintains a strong focus on safety. A dedicated panel discussion featuring stakeholders and officials from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) will explore road safety, tech-driven security, and the future of motoring in Nigeria.

“With its blend of adrenaline, artistry, and advocacy, Jetour Nigeria isn’t just hosting an event; it is creating a destination.”

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Soaring Fuel Prices Drive Nigerians Toward Electric Vehicles

Published

2 weeks ago

April 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Soaring Fuel Prices Drive Nigerians Toward Electric Vehicles

Rising fuel prices in Nigeria are accelerating interest in electric vehicles (EVs) as households, transport operators, and businesses seek cost-effective alternatives to petrol- and diesel-powered cars. Experts say the spike in petrol costs is no longer just an economic concern but a turning point, pushing electric mobility from a futuristic idea into a practical solution for everyday commuting and commercial use.

At the Abuja Compact on Electric Mobility Roundtable, stakeholders highlighted how increasing transport expenses are reshaping decisions, especially among commercial drivers and small business owners. Rising fuel costs are prompting many Nigerians to see EVs as a survival strategy rather than a luxury option.

Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV), Ismaeel Ahmed, explained that the removal of fuel subsidies has widened the cost gap between petrol-powered vehicles and EVs. Charging an EV for a 200-kilometre journey costs around ₦4,500, compared to roughly ₦22,500 for petrol vehicles — a difference that offers a “strong economic incentive” influencing consumer choices. Ahmed added that the federal government is pursuing a balanced transition strategy supporting both compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicles to encourage sustainable energy alternatives.

Financial solutions are helping Nigerians overcome the high upfront costs of EVs. Mohammed Abdul, Divisional Head at Alternative Bank, noted that lease-to-own, pay-as-you-go, and partnership schemes are making EVs accessible to drivers in the informal transport sector. These financing models allow gradual adoption while easing financial burdens.