William Troost-Ekong is the captain of the Super Eagles.
William Troost-Ekong (M.O.N) @WTroostEkong
12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Lybia after our plane was diverted whilst descending. Lybian government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason. They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without phone connection, food or drink. All to play mind games.
I’ve experienced stuff before playing away in Africa but this is disgraceful behaviour. Even the Tunisian Pilot who thankfully managed to navigate the last minute change to an airport not fit for our plane to land had never seen something like this before.
Upon arrival he tried to find a nearby airport to rest with his crew to be denied at every hotel again under Government instruction. He could sleep there but NO NIGERIAN crew members allowed. They have returned to now sleep on the plane which is parked up.
At this point we have called for our Nigerian Government to intervene and rescue us. As the captain together with the team we have decided that we will NOT play this game. CAF should look at the report and what is happening here. Even if they decide to allow this kind of behaviour, let them have the points. We will not accept to travel anywhere by road here even with security it’s not safe. We can only imagine what the hotel or food would be like given to us IF we continued.
We respect ourselves and respect our opponents when they are our guests in Nigeria. Mistakes happen but these things on purpose have nothing to do with int. football.
Pictures 3 and 4: William Troost-Ekong on IG stories.
Frame 1: Nord A5 assembly process ongoing at @nordmotion Unilag Assembly plant, Lagos.
Frame 2: Assembly process of 120 units of electric tricycle ongoing at Nord Kano factory, Kano.
Frame 3: Significant renovation of @nordmotion Lekki office ongoing and on schedule.
Frame 4: While I am still being a daddy. My eyes are red due to inadequate sleep. My wife sleeps less than me so I can’t complain here. I still get a bit more sleep than her.
The Ogun state government @OGSG_Official just purchased and fully paid for some units of CNG buses from @nordmotion.
On behalf of everyone at @nordmotion, I want to thank H.E @DapoAbiodunCON for the continuous patronage of our amazing vehicles. We appreciate the support and we will continue to positively impact Ogun state and contribute to her development.
I applaud my amazing people at @nordmotion for always producing vehicles that make our customers happy and encourage them to place more orders.
Woye @woye1
I am excited as govt agencies are patronizing local firms as per the Executive order No 5 and the directive of the FG not Tinubu to purchase CNG Buses.
2: So, what is the latest: @FIRSNigeria has purchased 11 Nord Flit Buses and 8 Nord Tusk Pickups from @nordmotion
3: @nordmotion provides CNG vehicles, affordable and available.
4: with CNG vehicles, the overhead cost of fueling govt vehicles will be significantly reduced. That funds would be available for capital projects.
5: You will recall my tweet last year urging FG, States and LGAs to patronize @nordmotion
6: it is time for action. Executive order No 5 must be fully implemented and the directive of the President.
Image123: Well done naptu2. Just an aside, do you have another account or handle that you use for complaining or commending? You usually sound so formal and informative. Like no sides.
A friend of mine (a former Nairalander) said that I show no emotions.
I think what both of you mean is that I simply analyse issues. I am not really interested in sectionalism, emotionalism or in attacking personalities.
dalitigator: What happens when everyone suddenly migrates to CNG and it becomes more expensive than fuel? Na my issue be that. Nigerians have the crowd and crab mentality and will gladly capitalize on any situation.
SoftBread01: Why are you being defensive over a simple question?
Now I am beginning to question whether you are actually serious. You asked me whether someone else was doing something, how am I supposed to know? Am I the person? I directed you to the person and you say that I am being defensive.
I don't think you were being serious when you asked the question and I don't think I should take you seriously. I only engage in discussions with people that are serious.
Funny thing is that I haven't even posted everything that I want to post. I stopped to give others a chance to post and I will continue after a few more people have posted.
The Nigerian Police Force is to be equipped with Compressed Natural Gas, CNG technology and skills set to make its fleet and personnel CNG enabled.
A Memorandum of Agreement to that effect was signed by the Nigeria Police Trust Fund and the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative on Monday in Abuja.
Speaking during the signing of the agreement, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, Mr. Mohammed Sheidu confirmed that the agreement was to take effect immediately.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering leadership and commitment to the safety and progress of Nigeria in the area of energy security.
Mr. Sheidu further stated that the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) represents not just a formal agreement, but a testament to what can be achieved through innovation, strategic partnerships, and a shared vision for a brighter future for Nigeria.
He said; “Mr. President is deeply aware of the hardships facing Nigerians, particularly the rising transportation costs. He has made it clear that while we must confront these challenges head-on, we must also seek out innovative solutions that will ease the burden on the common man and ensure long-term sustainability.”
According to Mr. Sheidu, by transitioning the police fleet to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), they are not only creating a more efficient and cost-effective operational model for the Nigeria Police Force but also setting a precedent for broader adoption of this clean energy source across the nation.
He said; “CNG offers a cleaner, cheaper alternative to traditional fuels, and this initiative will play a crucial role in reducing the overall cost of transportation, directly benefiting everyday Nigerians.”
“One of the central goals of this partnership is to empower our people—our police officers, mechanics, and technical teams. With PCNG’s support, we will train and equip a select group of police mechanics with the technical expertise required to convert police vehicles from traditional fuels to CNG.
This training will enable them to handle conversions, maintain CNG vehicles, and provide ongoing support, ultimately reducing operational costs while enhancing the skills of our personnel.”
The Executive Secretary said; ”the process is not just a one-time initiative; but an investment in the future of the police force.”
“By building in-house capacity and creating self-sufficient teams, we are ensuring that the Nigeria Police Force is equipped to handle the evolving demands of the future. This effort will go beyond vehicle conversions and lay the foundation for broader technical development within the force, creating opportunities for continuous skills improvement,” he said.
He said; “the second pillar of the partnership focuses on establishing the necessary infrastructure to sustain and expand the use of CNG within the Police force.
“By leveraging the strategic locations of our police workshops and stations, we will work closely with PCNG to set up fully equipped conversion centers across the country. These centers will serve as hubs for converting and maintaining police vehicles, creating an operational framework for a gradual transition to a CNG-powered fleet.”
In his response, the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative Programme Director, Mr. Michael Oluwagbemi said the signing of the cooperation agreement represents a bold step towards a more sustainable and efficient future for the Nigeria Police Force.
He said; “Through this collaboration, we will not only deploy Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) transport solutions for the Nigeria Police Force but also establish conversion centers and training programs to ensure the successful integration of these technologies.
“We believe that the use of CNG will significantly reduce operational costs, enhance energy security, and contribute to a cleaner environment, aligning with national goals for energy diversification. But beyond the technology itself, this partnership is about empowerment. By building technical capacity within the police force, we will ensure that officers are equipped with the skills needed to maintain and operate these systems effectively.”
The Nigerian government has adopted the Compressed Natural Gas energy solution as an alternative to the high cost of energy that has engulfed the country since the removal of subsidy on petrol products by the authorities over a year ago.
Nigerian Army partners PCNGI to acquire fleet of CNG vehicles
As CNG initiative attracts $45m private investment
The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGi) is making bold and big moves in the first quarter of 2024.
One of the bold moves is the partnership with the Nigerian Army to kick-start the conversion of a fleet of vehicles, numbering 30, to CNG powered vehicles.
This was made known during a press conference on Tuesday, March 19, 2024.
The P-CNGi, alongside the ministry of Transportation, and National Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), flagged off the conversion of the fleet of the vehicles of the Nigerian Army to Compressed Natural Gas, (CNG) and training of army engineers in conversion technology for two weeks.
The move, according to P-CNGi and the Ministry of Transportation, is to promote the adoption of CNG as an environmentally friendly fuel.
It is noteworthy to share that this is coming days after the Standard Organisation of Nigeria approved 80 standards for CNG use in road vehicles and related appliances as part of its collaboration with the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, P-CNGi .
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Project Director/CEO, Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, Michael Oluwagbemi (P-CNGi), said the initiative has received a boost with investors staking about $45million in the program.
Oluwagbemi also said that the initiative has attracted investors in the oil and gas sector who are ready to invest in the establishment of the conversion and refueling centres across the country.
“We also have increased the number of investments in refueling centres. We will have about 100 of them before the end of the year. NIPCO is investing 32, MRS 10, BoVAS 10, the core partners of the Presidential CNG is investing over 15 centres and these have attracted $45million,” Oluwagbemi said.
The project director/CEO also noted that CNG conversion centres have increased from the initial seven in 2023 to 21 centers across the country in March 2024.
He also added that the centres would increase to 45 by May 29, 2024.
The increase in the conversion centres, Oluwagbemi explained, is in line with the target of the P-CNGi to have about one million conversion centres before 2027 and over 3,000 refueling centres driven by 25,000 technicians.
Oluwagbemi also disclosed that to encourage investors and investment in the sector, which is fast gaining attention of the populace, the P-CNGi has attracted presidential incentives including tax and duty waivers.
The P-CNGi was established by President Tinubu in August 2023 and has continued to deliver on its mandate in ensuring adoption of CNG for transportation including supporting and incentivising conversion of existing vehicles as well as production, storage, transportation, and appliance compatibility in the value chain.
Investors, manufacturers and transportation stakeholders are beginning to embrace CNG as a viable and eco-friendly energy option
In the same vein, the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu pledged his support to ensure prompt delivery of the P-CNGi on the CNG program. He said the Ajaokuta steel complex offers an excellent facility to produce CNG power, enabling the steel complex to manufacture CNG kits.
Already, Compressed Natural Gas is gaining prominence as an alternative fuel, offering cleaner emissions and cost-effectiveness with many Nigerians converting their vehicles and generators to CNG to save cost on fuel.
Tinubu Directs Mandatory Procurement of CNG-Powered Vehicles By Ministries, Agencies
14th May, 2024
Tinubu has ordered the rejection of memos for purchase of petrol-dependent vehicles, gives go-ahead for purchase of solar, electric-powered vehicles.
Nigeria’s Fifth Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting for year 2024 which was held on Monday at the State House, Abuja, with President Bola Tinubu presiding will continue on Tuesday.
Monday’s Council meeting which was coming about seven weeks after the last one held on March 25, 2024, adjourned till Tuesday to conclude deliberations on the agenda of the meeting.
Briefing newsmen after the meeting held at the Council Chambers, Information and National Orientation Minister, Mohammed Idris, said far-reaching decisions were taken at the meeting adding that deliberations will continue on Tuesday by Noon.
According to him: “The meeting is not yet concluded. Council meeting will continue tomorrow. Therefore, there will be no press briefing today. A lot of far reaching decisions are being taken and the conclusions will be made available to you tomorrow. Thank you very much”.
Presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, later on Monday issued a release saying in
line with his commitment to ensure energy security, drive utility, and cut high fuel costs, President Tinubu has directed the mandatory procurement of compressed-natural-gas-powered vehicles by all government ministries, departments, and agencies.
The President’s directive is also in furtherance of Nigeria’s effort to transition to cleaner energy as CNG-enabled vehicles have been adjudged to produce lower emissions, even as they present a more affordable alternative for Nigerian energy consumers.
Addressing members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the State House on Monday, President Tinubu affirmed that there is no turning back in the energy reforms initiated by his administration.
According to him: “This nation will not progress forward if we continue to dance on the same spot. We have the will to drive the implementation of CNG adoption across the country, and we must set the example as public officials in leading the way to that prosperous future that we are working to achieve for our people. It starts with us, and in seeing that we are serious, Nigerians will follow our lead”.
The President further directed the rejection of all memos brought by members of FEC seeking the purchase of traditional petrol-dependent vehicles, tasking the affected members of the council to go back and diligently seek value-driven procurements of CNG-compliant vehicles.
President Tinubu, according to the statement, remains committed to effectively harnessing the nation’s gas potential, alleviating the burden of high transportation costs on the masses while enhancing the standard of living of all Nigerians.
FEC has ordered that all new vehicles, generators or tricycles being procured by government and its agencies must be powered by CNG, solar or electric.
According to the top official who spoke on condition of anonymity, the order was one of the major decisions reached by the council before it adjourned its marathon proceedings till today after over four hours.
Affected by the order are new requests by Nigeria Customs Service, the Shipper’s Council, an agency of the Marine and Blue Economy which had sought approval to buy several hundreds of operational vehicles, to be powered by petrol.
The council approved the requests by said they must be CNG vehicles.
Also, a request by the Federal Capital Territory to buy petrol generators was also approved, but the council insisted they must be powered by CNG or solar.
Government also expects agencies to begin to convert petrol or diesel vehicles or generators to CNG.
The Tinubu administration which launched the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative( PCNGi) last October plans to roll out about 800 CNG buses, 4000 CNG tricycles and 100 electric buses in the first phase in the next few weeks.
In taking the decision on Monday, government was signalling its readiness for energy transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy.
Government believes its policy will unlock new investments in renewable energy, solar panels and lithium batteries.
It also believes that the policy will be climate friendly and reduce inflation as it will slash costs by about 60 percent.
The FEC had at the commencement of the meeting on Monday observed a minute’s silence in honour of two former Ministers; one-time Minister of Education, Professor Fabian Osuji, and former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, before going into closed door session.
Osuji, who died at the age of 82 in February, served as minister of education during the tenure of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, where he played a key role in initiating policies that impacted positively in the sector.
Onu, who died at the age of 72, was appointed Minister of Science and Technology during the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Council meeting was attended by the Vice President Kashim Shettima; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan; and most of the other members of the Council.
Earlier, President Tinubu sworn in two additional Federal Commissioners of the National Population Commission (NPC).
Those who took their oath of office before the President are Fasuwa Johnson Johnson (Ogun State) and Amidu Tadese Raheem (Osun State).
Their swearing-in came weeks after 17 of their colleagues took Oath of Office in March, 2024.
Driving Green: Innoson’s CNG Vehicles Offer a Sustainable Alternative in Nigeria
By Choice Arukwe
As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, the need for greener transportation solutions is becoming increasingly evident. Innoson Vehicles, a leading automobile manufacturer in Nigeria, is at the forefront of driving this change.
With the commissioning of our CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) powered vehicles, we are offering a sustainable alternative that not only reduces our dependency on petroleum products but also contributes to a cleaner and healthier environment in Nigeria. In this blog post, we delve into the advantages of Innoson’s CNG vehicles and their role in promoting a greener future for the country.
Environmental Benefits: Innoson’s CNG vehicles are designed to significantly reduce the environmental impact of transportation. When compared to traditional fuel-powered vehicles, CNG vehicles emit lower levels of harmful pollutants such as carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM). By choosing our CNG vehicles, individuals and organizations can actively contribute to improving air quality and mitigating climate change in Nigeria.
Reduced Carbon Footprint: Nigeria, like many countries, faces the challenge of reducing its carbon footprint. Innoson’s CNG vehicles offer a tangible solution to this problem. CNG is a cleaner-burning fuel that produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions when combusted. By embracing CNG vehicles, we can make substantial progress in reducing Nigeria’s overall carbon emissions and move closer to our sustainability goals.
Cost-Effectiveness and Fuel Efficiency: At Innoson, we understand that cost-effectiveness is a key consideration for vehicle owners. CNG vehicles provide a compelling advantage in terms of affordability and fuel efficiency. Compressed natural gas is generally more cost-effective compared to fuel or diesel, resulting in substantial fuel savings for individuals and fleet operators. Additionally, CNG vehicles are known for their high fuel efficiency, allowing drivers to cover more distance on less fuel, thereby maximizing cost savings.
Utilizing Abundant Natural Gas Resources: Nigeria is blessed with abundant natural gas resources, making CNG vehicles an ideal choice for the country’s transportation needs. By utilizing this domestic resource, we reduce our dependence on fossil fuel, thereby enhancing our energy independence and contributing to a more secure energy future. Innoson’s CNG vehicles offer a practical and sustainable way to harness Nigeria’s natural gas reserves and promote their utilization within our borders.
Infrastructure Development and Support: To facilitate the widespread adoption of CNG vehicles, it is essential to develop a robust infrastructure network. Innoson is actively collaborating with various stakeholders, including government agencies, energy companies, and other industry players, to establish a comprehensive CNG refueling infrastructure across Nigeria. This infrastructure will ensure convenient access to CNG refueling stations, encouraging more individuals and businesses to transition to CNG vehicles confidently.
Innoson Vehicles is committed to driving green and offering sustainable transportation options in Nigeria. With our CNG vehicles, we provide a practical and eco-friendly alternative to traditional fuel-powered vehicles. By choosing Innoson’s CNG vehicles, individuals and organizations can contribute to a cleaner environment, reduce their carbon footprint, and enjoy cost savings through improved fuel efficiency. We invite you to join us in embracing a greener future for Nigeria by opting for Innoson’s CNG vehicles. Together, we can drive green and make a positive impact on the sustainability of our country.
Why Innoson Commenced CNG Vehicle Production Before Tinubu Removed Fuel Subsidy – Chukwuma
August 22, 2023
Chief (Dr ) Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma is the Chairman Innoson Group. Long before the present government of Nigeria removed the fuel subsidy, Chief Chukwuma had started working out ways to beat the resultant high cost of petrol by doing underground preparations for an alternative which is the adoption of vehicles that run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). In this interview with ANTHONY OKECHUKWU, the auto manufacturer revealed what gave him that foresight many years ago.
How did you start the journey of what is known today as Innoson Group?
Innoson started small like many other business people, by first engaging in small-scale trading, and diversifying into the vehicle manufacturing industry later . I started by trading in motorcycle spare parts. From there, I moved on to selling motor spare parts. It was from motor spare parts that I went into motorcycle assembly in Nnewi, and then plastics manufacturing in Enugu, and so on.
Tell us a little bit of your family background?
I grew up in Nnewi and I started my business in Nnewi. I am still at Nnewi. My father was a civil servant. He worked in PWD {Public Works Department} and retired meritoriously in 1978. He was not a businessman, but I had a brother, Chief Gabros Chukwuma, who was in business. He started with a medicine shop and that is where I grew up. After some time, he sent me to go and learn trading in spare parts. From there, I joined the spare parts business. I started learning trading with my brother initially, but later, I started my own in 1980.
What were the initial challenges you encountered?
Challenges are an everyday occurrence. You must have challenges, but the important thing is to get over them. Anything that comes up in terms of challenges, we try to conquer it. Even today, we have challenges. What we do is to work hard to conquer the challenges, so that business will go on. Initially, I was buying motorcycle spare parts from people who had dealerships with Leventis, Boulos Enterprises, and Yamaco, before we started importing.
What were your reasons for importing the motorcycles?
In the course of trading in motorcycles, I had gathered much knowledge about the spare parts. I calculated what the business of motorcycles should be and I found out that the companies that were selling motorcycles then were selling them at higher prices than they were supposed to be selling them. So, instead of importing fully built motorcycles, I tried to import them in pieces – that is by carefully packing the parts into the containers, only to assemble them on arrival at our base in Nnewi. By importing them in pieces, I was able to crash the price of brand new motorcycle in the market by 50 per cent. That was how I dropped the prices of motorcycles by importing them as parts, and coupling them at our assembly plant. Before I joined the motorcycle business, there were only four companies dealing in motorcycles in Nigeria: Leventis was for Honda, Boulos Enterprises was doing Suzuki. Yamaco was for Yamaha and CFAO was representing Moblet and Kawasaki. So, the next one that came on board was Innoson which was doing for Jinxing and one other company. I brought in the motorcycles in pieces and started assembling them.Before I joined the business, the price of a motorcycle in the market was about N150, 000, but when I did this, I crashed the first price to N80, 000 and later to N60, 000. It became half the price and everybody joined in doing the same thing. Before then, I had moved to establish a plastics company in Enugu to help in producing the components. This is because if you import the components without plastics, the container will contain more motorcycle parts.Initially, before I came in, Leventis and others used to bring in 36 units of complete motorcycles in one 40-feet container. But when I started the innovation of importing the parts and assembling them in Nigeria, I was able to import 220 units in one container of the same size. And the price of one was slashed by half. When it was N150, 000, people preferred to go and buy second-hand motorcycles, because of the high price.However, when I crashed the price, everyone started buying new motorcycles. That was how people abandoned tokunbo motorcycles and started buying new motorcycles till today. I am now doing the same thing in the automobile industry in Nigeria today. I am trying to bring the price of new vehicles down so that a common man will be able to drive a brand new vehicle. I defeated tokunbo in Nigeria.
When did you transit from motorcycles to vehicles, and what motivated you to enter into the energy transition process by championing the production of electric vehicles, CNG and LNG-powered vehicles?
My vehicle manufacturing factory is about 12 to 13 years old today. I diversified into producing CNG vehicles two years ago when I knew that someday soon, the fuel price would go up. I knew right from the beginning that the government was going to remove the subsidy which would eventually increase the pump prices of fuel.So I started planning by buying the equipment. That was why I was able to produce so many units immediately the fuel subsidy was removed by the government. If you go to places like Benin, 80 per cent of the vehicles they are using are CNG-powered. They have tested CNG and it’s working very fine for them over there. So, I believe that in the nearest future, all Nigerians will embrace CNG vehicles, because they are not just very affordable, but using them also leads to low maintenance costs.That was why I started the production in time, in fact, before everybody, and we are doing well. Now, we are converting petrol/diesel vehicles for people that are using our own {Innoson} vehicles. After some time, when our own vehicles have been covered, we can then start converting vehicles people who own or use other brands.
What partnership do you have with the government since it removed fuel subsidy?
I knew that if the pump prices of petrol and diesel go so high up, everybody wiuld switch to CNG. That was my own thinking before I started to develop CNG vehicles. I knew it was the way forward. I knew that the government must eventually remove fuel subsidy.Today, they have done it. And, it was a big surprise to many that I started manufacturing the alternative CNG buses and cars even before the subsidy was removed. But, there is nothing there. It was just that I had the foresight to calculate what the fuel price would be in future; believing that when the pump price goes too high up, the alternative would be CNG and LNG vehicles.So, I went straight and started producing CNG vehicles. Now, I make vehicles that can use CNG and petrol or diesel. In some places, CNG is not available. In such situations, the alternative (petrol or diesel) can be serving them. When CNG is available everywhere, I will make all the engines to be CNG-powered only. For now we are doing engines that can be CNG, fuel or diesel-powered. The price is also very affordable.The difference between CNG and the other types of fuel is very clear and far apart. So, today, following subsidy withdrawal, people no longer fuel their vehicles as they used to because of the harsh economic condition in the country. That is why I believe that if the government gives some kind of incentive to companies like Innoson, we can build CNG conversion centres everywhere in Nigeria, so that everybody can embrace CNG and enjoy the huge benefits.
What about the body of your vehicles? How much of the materials do you source outside and within?
What we are producing is the body of the vehicles. We still get the engines from the engine manufacturers. We don’t produce engines. While we get the engines from the makers, we produce other things needed to use. Even electronics, we get them from the makers. It is not that we produce everything 100 per cent in Nigeria. There are certain items that we must surely source for, but they are not much. We don’t have the capacity to do everything from A to Z. There are certain things we bring in.
How would you like the government to assist vehicle manufacturers?
The government has a role to play. Part of their role should be getting the environment okay for the manufacturers. They should give patronage which they are already doing. Government is trying their best because they cannot do everything. But I think that if they continue to do more, it will be better for Nigerians.
What is your projection for Innoson as an organisation in the next 10 years?
My projection is to see Innoson brand of vehicles everywhere you go in Africa. It is a projection for Nigerians and not for Innoson alone, because if you travel anywhere in the world and see Innoson Vehicle, you will know that it is made in Nigeria. It is our own and all Nigerians are supposed to support Innoson Vehicles.
Are you encouraged by the level of patronage?
Many Nigerians are using my vehicles. We have a lot of our CNG vehicles in Edo state and other places, and they are happy with their performance. I am encouraged. People are giving us a lot of support. Many people are no longer ready to buy imported vehicles anymore, except Innoson vehicles. They believe that if they continue to buy Innoson vehicles, the company will employ more Nigerians and people will be more secure in their jobs. Even though ours are not perfect, they prefer using it with the anticipation that after sometime, what is good will even be better. I believe our own is still good enough.
How affordable are vehicles manufactured by Innoson ?
Nothing is very affordable today in Nigeria anymore. Even to eat in a canteen is no longer affordable. But I believe that Innoson vehicles are the most affordable in the country among vehicles of good quality. We have to protect our name by producing good quality. If you produce something that is not good, the factory will shut down because people won’t buy. We don’t compromise our quality.
Would you advise the government to stop importation so that your products can thrive?
I am not encouraging the government to ban importation. As far as we are producing good quality, I believe that our own will be better priced than the others. I am not afraid of competition, because I trust the quality of vehicles we are manufacturing. Nigerians deserve something that is good, and that is what we give them.
Are you using local talents or foreigners to produce in your plant?
Sometimes when we want to procure certain equipment, we need, we usually buy the manual {instead of the automated version} so as to employ more Nigerians to man them. It is not as if the automatic machines cannot work here, but we are conscious of the need to create jobs. I buy manual so that more people can get involved in the production. There was a belt we were supposed to buy: We needed the automatic version, but we bought the manually operated one and that is the difference between my factory and others’.Instead of using some automatic equipment, we use people to do the job. I am interested in having our people employed and kept busy. Keeping the young ones busy helps the society and it is very important. If the youths are not busy, there will be problems. So we are creating jobs to keep them busy. That is the way forward. What are your expectations from government and the market generally? I am not expecting the government to do much because what they are doing is okay. The most important thing is that everybody should patronise us. It is not only government that should be patronising us. We also expect ordinary Nigerians to patronise us. What I want is for the factory to be busy, because if the factory is not busy, our workers will begin to have the time to do the wrong things instead of working. At times, I engage them in production, not just to make profit, but to ensure that they are busy working.
Considering that the President specifically mentioned 20-seater CNG buses in his recent broadcast, does Innoson have the capacity to produce this and other types of buses on demand?
Any size of bus that Nigeria wants, we have the capacity to produce them here in Nnewi. We have the capacity to produce 120-seater, 20-seater or 10-seater bus model. The important thing is to give the customers what they want. We produce bus variants from seven- seater to 60-seater {the latter with provisions for standing passengers}. So, it all depends on what you want. We also produce cars, SUVs, and MPVs powered by CNG
What about LNG because I have heard you talk about LNG in the past?
Some people need LNG {liquefied natural gas} vehicles and we are producing them. Whatever you want, whether CNG, LNG or even electric, we produce all of them here in Nnewi.
Has there been any kind of increase in patronage between when the fuel subsidy was removed and today?
Yes. Many people need CNG vehicles now, including individuals and government buyers. Many Nigerians are using my vehicles. We have a lot of our vehicles in Edo State and other places and it is serving them well and they are happy with then.One important issue about CNG and LNG is the high cost of converting vehicles that are currently running on petrol and diesel.The cost of conversion is very high now and before the cost can come down, the government has to intervene. Before the cost will come down, there is a need for an investment which requires government support. With such investment, the cost of conversion to CNG can be reduced to N300, 000.But, today because such investments are not yet on ground, the cost of conversion is too high. If the government can put certain support facilities in place, the conversion will be reduced to about N300,000. At Innoson, we have something to do to reduce it to that price, but it requires government’s support. Again, there are certain things we are supposed to produce here because we have the materials. If we produce them here, the conversion cost will be N300,000. Without producing these vital materials here, the conversion cost will be like N800,000. That investment is important.
What are you doing in terms of providing rechargeable components for the electric vehicles?
The solution to electric vehicles is the local production of the batteries here in Nigeria. Without producing the batteries locally, electric vehicles will remain expensive. First of all, we need investments in battery production. When we manufacture it here, the cost of electric vehicles will come down. Importing the batteries will make the vehicles expensive and nobody will like to budget 50 percent of the vehicle cost to buy the battery alone. Instead, they will prefer to buy petrol or diesel-powered vehicles.Don’t forget that after four years, electric vehicles users will have to change the batteries and buy new ones. Electric vehicles are good, but not yet for Africa, I don’t think it will go far for now. This is because when you buy an electric vehicle, a major component in the vehicle, like the battery, will no longer be usable after four years. The battery will die after four years, and most of them are like that. The solution is, therefore, local production of batteries. Producing the batteries in Nigeria will considerably reduce the price, so that even when it is to be replaced every four years, it won’t impose a huge financial burden on the owner.The best type of vehicle that suits the Nigerian situation today is the one powered by CNG. It will be better and cheaper when we produce the CNG {gas} bottles here. But if you import the bottles to use in manufacturing CNG vehicles, the price of the vehicle will be very high. When the gas bottles are imported, conversion from petrol/diesel to CNG will not be less than N800,000. But producing the bottles here in Nigeria will crash the conversion cost to N300,000. To set up such an investment is very expensive. That is why government needs to look into this challenge with a view to providing incentives, so that people will be able to convert their vehicles at cheaper costs.”
Finance minister inspects Jet Motors’ plant as FG rolls out CNG buses
Amaka Anagor-Ewuzie
May 14, 2024
Wale Edun, minister of Finance and coordinating minister of the economy, has pledged to support indigenous vehicle assembly plants involved in the implementation of the Presidential initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles.
The minister pledged the support during a visit to the Jet Motor Company assembly plant in Lagos at the weekend and assured Nigerians that the CNG vehicles would soon be rolled out to ease transport challenges in the country.
According to Edun, the visit enabled him to see that Jet Motor Company is producing the CNG buses promised by Mr President even as he commits to giving them including other local assembly plants involved in the project, the support needed to deliver on the Federal Government CNG vehicles initiative.
“The vehicles are assembled here, which speaks to local addition, job creation, growing the economy and reducing poverty,” he said.
Edun said the visit offered him the opportunity to see the electric, CNG and biofuel vehicles being assembled by Jet Motor locally.
“I have come to see what is happening with the CNG Initiative. I have seen, driven and tested the buses that are being assembled here. Shortly, they will be rolled out for the benefit of Nigerians because the initiative will reduce transportation costs,” he said.
Edun commended the management of Jet Motor Company for their contribution towards the expansion of local automotive production capacity.
Highlighting Jet Motors’ dedication to employing local talent which underscored their belief in empowering communities and contributing to Nigeria’s economic prosperity, he assured the auto company of continued government support.
The minister’s visit to Jet Motors, one of the indigenous electric vehicle manufacturing plants in Nigeria, showcases the country’s capacity to meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly vehicles.
It also provided an opportunity for the minister to engage with local producers, give support to the local industry, and build a broad-based partnership with key industry leaders.
Earlier, Chidi Ajaere, chairman of Jet Motor Company, said the automobile company can assemble both CNG, petrol and biofuel buses and can also convert petrol vehicles to CNG.
Also speaking, Derek Ewelukwa, managing director of Jet Motor Company, lauded the minister and his team for the honour done to the organisation by his visit.
He thanked the President Tinubu-led administration for its intentional efforts geared towards supporting local industries, particularly the automotive sector through direct interventions and the programmes executed by the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC).
“We are proud to be an indigenous company. We have always wanted to prove that it was possible to do it here. To build and create value here. To export value from here. This is what we are doing,” he said.
Ewelukwa said the company recently began to invest in the production of CNG vehicles in line with the policy direction of the current government against the backdrop of reforms impacting the local energy market.
“We are an agile company; we will continue to adapt to new realities and expand our offerings within the clean energy niche of the mobility market,” he said.
On his part, Joseph Osanipin, director-general of NADDC, expressed joy that a truly indigenous company is accomplishing the vision of the agency through local automobile manufacturing.
“We have seen your efforts and are truly proud of all you are accomplishing in the market. This is what we have always worked towards, and even much more right now with our renewed efforts under this administration. Sustainable mobility is the future, and we will work closely with you and other indigenous automotive manufacturers to achieve this for Nigeria,” he said.
As a leader in indigenous auto manufacturing, Jet Motor Company specialises in building electric vehicles vans, pickups, and CNG as well as petrol buses tailored to meet Africa’s unique transportation needs.
Lanre Shittu Motors introduces Nigeria-assembled full CNG buses
By Theodore Opara August 20, 2024
Frontline indigenous automaker, Lanre Shittu Motors, has made history as the first company to assemble 100 per cent compressed natural gas-powered buses in Nigeria.
The company also says it is willing to support those buying a large fleet including state governments with the installation of mobile CNG stations across different locations.
Speaking with some journalists in Lagos on Monday at a media launch of the buses, Managing Director of Lanre Shittu Motors, Mr. Taiwo Shittu, said the CNG vehicles are being assembled at the Amuwo Odofin assembly plant, Lagos.
The LSM MD who spoke along with the Deputy Managing Director of the company, Lukman Shittu, said 100 units of the buses coming in two specifications would be introduced in the first phase to support the President Bola Tinubu’s CNG initiative of easing public transportation and cushioning the effects of fuel subsidy removal.
Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, Mr. Joseph Osanipin, said he was excited about the initiative, adding, “Now that LSM has taken the bold step which l hope others will key into; no need to bother about the cost of conversion because the vehicles are already factory-fitted.
Speaking further on the new CNG vehicles, the LSM MD said while the first bus, a 31-seater, would be deployed for intra-airport shuttle, the second spec, a 54-seater also accommodating 25 persons standing, would serve as mass transit city bus.
The MD said, “Now we have the real CNG new buses on the ground. We are the first to have full CNG vehicles for sale, others are converted engines or hybrid.
“Any state that is really interested in saving cost should be talking to us. “We have two specifications, one for airport shuttle, and the other for mass transit city bus.”
Taiwo Shittu also said the city bus was built with seven cylinders and could travel for 450-500 kilometres before recharge.
According to him, the airport bus, also built with seven CNG cylinders, has a lot of space for boxes and two wheel chairs like the city bus.
“They all have charging stations. While on the move, you can charge your phones. The bus is air-conditioned, durable and installed with viewing screens,” he added.
He declared that the LSM-branded CNG bus would guarantee complete 70 per cent reduction in operation costs.
He said, “For instance, while the CNG costs N200-N230/kg, diesel is sold from N1,200 to N1,400/litre, depending on the state you are buying from.
“While some drivers have the habit of siphoning fuel from a vehicle for the purposes of selling or using it elsewhere, this cannot happen with CNG.
“The money saved could be utilised to solve other vital problems including paying workers’ increased salary based on approved new minimum wage.”
Deputy Managing Director of the company, Mr Lukman Shittu, said the company was willing to install mobile CNG stations across different locations, especially for large fleet buyers.
He said, “We can deploy mobile CNG stations across different locations; we can install for people around their locations.”
He explained that the company had also embarked on the training of its workers in the CNG technology using its technical partners.
He said, “We have technical partners. They have trained our workers. We have the expertise; we are going to Ekiti State with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) to train people in the CNG technology. We are also going to other states.
“We have the parts. We are not only concerned about our buses, we are also interested in helping the government in any way we can to make this CNG initiative a reality.
“The important thing is how to save cost on transportation in Nigeria.”
The DG of the NADDC, Osanipin, commended Lanre Shittu Motors for assembling full CNG buses locally.
“Those that need this type of pure 100% CNG buses are mainly the commercial transporters. We at the NADDC are working with LSM to test run it.
“LSM will provide the expertise while Pi-CNG (Presidential CNG Initiative) will provide the necessary support and NADDC will ensure the training of people that will handle it.”
Dana Motors rolls out CNG buses to cut transportation cost
Amaka Anagor-Ewuzie
September 17, 2024
…Set to provide mobile CNG stations to fleet operators
Dana Motors, an automotive company in Nigeria, has rolled out fully Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses locally assembled in Nigeria to cut down transportation costs for Nigerians.
The automaker said is also committed to providing mobile CNG refuelling stations for big fleet operators to eliminate the difficulty involved in refuelling CNG buses in Nigeria.
Jacky Hathiramani, managing director of Dana Motors, described the development as a new dawn for Nigeria’s energy and auto sectors.
He said Dana Motors remained committed to proffering the latest, environmentally friendly, and also affordable automotive solutions in Nigeria.
“Since its inception, Dana Motors has been at the forefront of bringing the latest automotive solutions to the Nigerian market. Since the commencement of our assembly operations in 2014 with an installed capacity of assembling 18,000 units annually, our commitment has not wavered in terms of local content and job creation,” Hathiramani said.
The CNG buses have a sitting capacity that ranges between 14 and 45 seats and will offer a considerable reduction in operational costs to Nigerians compared to conventional petrol or diesel-powered buses.
They are built with the capacity to cover distances of up to 500 kilometres before being recharged, an added advantage in intra-city and intercity transportation.
Dana Motors said the CNG buses can serve as a solution for reducing transportation costs while contributing towards environmental sustainability. Besides their cost-effectiveness due to heavy cuts in fuel costs, CNG-powered buses promise lower emissions trends, and most countries are moving toward cleaner energy in transport.
“The company is ready to provide mobile CNG stations to big fleet operators across the country so that the refuelling infrastructure will be in place to give full efficiency to those vehicles. We are committed to supporting the initiative of the government for popularising CNG as an alternative fuel by providing infrastructure such as mobile CNG stations, mainly for fleet operators,” Hathiramani added.
In addition to the technological and economic benefits, Dana Motors said is focused on ensuring that the buses are designed for comfort with state-of-the-art amenities for passengers. Equipped with air conditioning, an electric glass central lock, and an audio-visual system, the buses offer not just practicality but also comfort for everyday use.
The move also represents a strategic leap in the Nigerian automotive and energy landscape, with the company furthering its pioneering effort of introducing innovative solutions into the local market.
Again, the introduction of these new CNG buses will ensure environmental sustainability and the development of Nigeria’s public transportation system.
The auto dealer said it’s working in collaboration with major stakeholders, including the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) among other agencies, to ensure that this will be one with long-reaching effects, setting a stage for new beginnings within the automotive sector.
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A friend of mine (a former Nairalander) said that I show no emotions.
