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

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Toyota Motor Show Roars into Lagos Tomorrow with Test Drives, Debates, Free Diagnostics, Others
Toyota Motor Show Roars into Lagos Tomorrow with Test Drives, Debates, Free Diagnostics, Others
4-Day Festival Kicks Off June 2, No Admission Fees
If you have ever wanted to get behind the wheel of a Land Cruiser, grill a Toyota engineer, or win prizes while learning how your engine actually works, tomorrow is your day.
Toyota Nigeria Limited will throw open the gates for its annual Toyota Motor Show on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. And for four days, Lekki becomes the city’s biggest car park, debate stage, and hangout spot rolled into one. The show runs through Saturday, June 6, with a break on Friday, 5th June, according to the organisers, TNL.
Forget the usual “stand-and-stare” motor shows. TNL says it is going full experience:
Day 1: Tuesday, June 2 – See It, Drive It, Hear It
Doors open for open vehicle viewing. But the headline is _PodCARst_ going live – Toyota’s new podcast recorded on-site. First guest? Celebrity guest Soma, in conversation with execs. Think cars, culture, and no script.
Day 2: Wednesday, June 3 – Youth Takeover
This is for students and young professionals. Expect debate competitions, quiz battles, and hands-on workshops. Kate Henshaw, screen legend, will be on ground to meet fans and judge the action.
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Day 3: Thursday, June 4 – Influencer Tours
Social media star Mama Deola leads guided vehicle tours. She will walk the arena, break down why the Hilux still owns Nigerian roads, and why the Corolla and other Toyota models make sense for fuel prices today. Public access continues all day.
Grand Finale: Saturday, June 6 – The Bump Off
The event will close with another _PodCARst_ recording popular social media influencer, Ride With Mee, then turn up the energy for the “Toyota Bump Off” – a mini-rave hosted by media personality Dotun. DJ, outdoor games, prizes, and one last round of test drives.
All Week Long, All Visitors Get:
1. Free vehicle diagnostics – TNL technicians will scan your car, no charges.
2. Test drives – From Camry to RAV4 to Hilux. Book a slot, feel the ride.
3. Open exhibitions – Touch, sit, and compare Toyota’s latest models and mobility solutions.
Why it matters: This isn’t just a car show. It’s Toyota Nigeria doubling down on connection. No sales pitch banners. Just real conversations, real cars, and real value for owners and future owners. After two years of record crowds, this 3rd edition is bigger, louder, and more interactive.
Admission is free. Bring your questions, bring your car keys, and bring your appetite for prizes.
Venue: The Podium. I24 Tunde Kuboye Road. Lekki. Lagos
Dates: Tuesday June 2 – Saturday June 6, 2026. No Show on Friday June 5.
Toyota Motor Show Roars into Lagos Tomorrow with Test Drives, Debates, Free Diagnostics, Others
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Toyota By CFAO Launches 2026 RAV4 in Nigeria, Ends Long Wait for Latest Global Model
Toyota By CFAO Launches 2026 RAV4 in Nigeria, Ends Long Wait for Latest Global Model
Toyota-by-CFAO Nigeria has unveiled the all-new 2026 Toyota RAV4, bringing the latest generation of the globally acclaimed SUV to the Nigerian market in a move that signals a new era for local vehicle buyers.
For the first time, Nigerian customers will have access to the same-generation RAV4 available in leading international markets, eliminating the years-long delay that has traditionally separated local buyers from global launches.
The new SUV is backed by a three-year manufacturer’s warranty, Toyota-certified after-sales support and nationwide access to genuine spare parts, with customer deliveries already underway.
Speaking at the unveiling, Managing Director of Toyota-by-CFAO Nigeria, Boye Ajayi, said the company was raising the benchmark for vehicle ownership in the country.
“The 2026 RAV4 is here. Nigerian customers are no longer waiting years behind global markets or settling for older specifications. They are receiving the same vehicle available internationally, at the same time, with full manufacturer support,” Ajayi said.
Available in three variants — Active (2.0L 2WD), Comfort (2.0L 4WD) and Limited (2.0L 4WD) — the SUV is powered by a 2.0-litre DOHC petrol engine producing 172 horsepower and features Sport, Normal and Eco driving modes.
Designed to balance comfort, performance and practicality, the RAV4 offers a 481-litre cargo space, 201mm ground clearance and a 55-litre fuel tank suited for both city commuting and long-distance travel.
Standard features across the range include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, dual-zone climate control, LED headlamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, SmartKey keyless entry, push-button start and a rear-view camera.
Toyota also equipped the SUV with an extensive safety package, including Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), hill-start assist and multiple airbags.
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While the entry-level Active variant targets urban motorists seeking reliability and efficiency, the Comfort model adds all-wheel-drive capability, heated front seats, roof rails and additional convenience features for customers who frequently travel outside city limits.
The flagship Limited variant comes with a larger 12.8-inch infotainment screen, panoramic sunroof, premium leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats and seat heating, offering a more luxurious driving experience.
Ajayi described the new RAV4 as more than a routine upgrade, noting that the improvements are both visible and practical.
“This is not a minor refresh. The upgrades are evident in the technology, interior refinement, driving experience and overall convenience offered to customers,” he said.
To strengthen ownership confidence, Toyota-by-CFAO Nigeria said the vehicle is supported by a robust after-sales ecosystem comprising trained technicians, genuine parts inventory and service centres in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. The company plans to expand its authorised service network to 75 locations nationwide by March 2027.
The launch has already generated strong market interest, with several customers placing confirmed orders ahead of the official unveiling.
According to Ajayi, the early demand reflects a growing shift among Nigerian buyers towards brand-new vehicles backed by manufacturer warranties and structured after-sales support, rather than used imports with uncertain histories.
Managing Director of CFAO Mobility, Denis Martin, said Nigeria’s inclusion in the global launch schedule demonstrates the progress made by Toyota-by-CFAO Nigeria in building world-class sales and service infrastructure.
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is now available at Toyota-by-CFAO showrooms in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, with financing options offered through partner institutions. A public launch event featuring test drives and on-site vehicle orders is scheduled for June 11 at the company’s Victoria Island showroom in Lagos.
Toyota By CFAO Launches 2026 RAV4 in Nigeria, Ends Long Wait for Latest Global Model
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Auto
Carloha Rides High, Plans New EV for Nigeria After Winning Global Honours
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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