By Adaobi Rhema Oguejiofor
The Nigerian government has further demonstrated commitment towards the drive for cleaner energy alternatives by demanding that Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses become a priority and the preferred mode of transportation by the various ministries, departments and agencies (MDA’s).
In order to contribute to ensuring the success of this presidential agenda, one of the major players in the automotive industry, Lanre Shittu Motors (LSM) Limited, has concluded plans to deploy buses powered by CNG.
While speaking in Lagos, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of LSM, Taiwo Shittu, expressed delight over a number of measures by the current government towards reviving the various auto assembly plants in the country with specific attention to the assembling of CNG buses, which aims to boost public transportation and lessen the challenges, as well as economic burdens faced by commuters. Shittu commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s automotive sector and mass transportation initiatives in the country through CNG, stating that the government has shown its determination to encourage the local auto assembly plants.
According to him, Lanre Shittu Motors will be deploying a large number of units of its branded CNG buses at the airports across the country and for other mass transportation needs. He also disclosed that LSM worked over the idea of CNG vehicles, recognizing it as the future of the local automotive industry many years ago because of the abundance of excess natural gas in the economy, as well as the economic benefits of using CNG buses by both the operators and the commuters.
Shittu assured that there are plans in progress to start the assembling of the LSM branded CNG buses in Lagos using the best technology obtainable in other parts of the world. He added that aside assembling CNG vehicles from start to finish inside the LSM plant, the company also boasts of enough kits, which are capable of converting petroI-powered vehicles to CNG-powered vehicles.
The CEO put to rest the fears of prospective customers over quality, noting that the after-sale support for any stock rolled out from the assembly plant is top-notch. According to him, proactive steps have been taken in the past years to offer quality training to technicians at various stages, levels and categories of auto assembly and after sales maintenance services.
In his words, “upon graduation and certification, the technicians are then deployed to the various LSM offices nationwide and are being sought after by other industry stakeholders within the nation’s automotive value chain. Furthermore, all branches of the company are currently fully equipped with state-of-the-art CNG conversion equipment while orders have been activated and are running seamlessly.”
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Innoson Vehicles, Dr. Innocent Chukwuma, has donated a state-of-the-art fire truck to the Abia State Government in order to support the state’s fire-fighting efforts. The donation ceremony took place at the Government House in Umuahia, where the fire truck was presented to the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, by the Innoson Chairman.
The made-in-Nigeria fire truck is designed to enhance the state’s capacity to combat and mitigate fire disasters effectively within the state. With its high-quality design and advanced features, the fire truck is expected to boost the state’s firefighting capabilities, ensuring a prompt and efficient response to emergencies.
The fire truck is equipped with the latest firefighting equipment, including powerful water cannons, a comprehensive hose system, and advanced safety features. This remarkable technology offers optimal performance, enabling firefighters to swiftly handle fire outbreaks and protect the lives and properties of citizens within the community.
The Abia State governor commended Innoson’s commitment to supporting local initiatives and highlighted the importance of investing in domestic manufacturing, showcasing the capabilities of Nigerian industries, and reducing reliance on imported goods. According to him, the donation solidifies Innoson’s reputation as a responsible corporate citizen and a major player in Nigeria’s automotive industry. The company’s commitment to technological advancement and community development showcases their determination to make a lasting impact on society.
He added that with the acquisition of the fire truck, Abia State is currently better equipped to respond to fire emergencies swiftly and effectively.
