Through the establishment of autogas conversion workshops, the government seeks to encourage Nigerian citizens to embrace autogas as a viable fuel alternative.

By making this switch, vehicle owners can expect substantial savings on fuel costs and contribute to curbing air pollution, propelling Nigeria towards a cleaner and more prosperous future..

Speaking at the event, Dr. Bayero Salih-Farah, Director-General of NITT, revealed that the institute has been diligently working on this initiative for the past year and is now ready to kickstart the conversion process within the next two to three weeks.

The conversion project has been developed through collaborative efforts with various manufacturers of the necessary conversion kits, which will be utilized in the workshops. This partnership aims to make the transition from Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to autogas more accessible and affordable for Nigerian vehicle owners.

Addressing the advantages of adopting autogas as an alternative fuel source, Dr. Salih-Farah emphasized its cost-effectiveness, environmental benefits, and overall convenience.

He pointed out that autogas is significantly cheaper than petrol, resulting in substantial savings for consumers. Furthermore, the process of refilling a tank with autogas is about 40% cheaper than using petrol, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious Nigerians.

In addition to the financial incentives, the adoption of autogas is expected to have a positive impact on environmental pollution in the country. With cleaner emissions, Nigeria can take a significant step towards reducing its carbon footprint and contributing to a greener future.

Dr. Salih-Farah passionately appealed to Nigerians to embrace this timely initiative and take full advantage of the opportunity to convert their vehicles to autogas. By doing so, citizens can actively contribute to both their personal financial well-being and the broader environmental sustainability goals of the nation.

On a related note, NITT is forging a collaboration with the National Information Technology Agency to share knowledge and expertise on major projects undertaken by the institute. Dr. Salih-Farah expressed optimism that this partnership would further strengthen NITT’s position as a premier transport and logistics institute in Africa.

Musa explained that the decision was prompted by complaints raised by freight forwarders operating at the Seme border.

Musa stated, “When I was present with the former Minister of State for Transportation, the freight forwarders requested the reactivation of the border to enable the free movement of goods and services.

We prepared a memo on their behalf, which was subsequently considered and submitted to the government.”

Dera Nnadi, the Customs Area Controller of Seme Border Command, also expressed concern about the decline in revenue since the suspension of vehicle imports through land borders by the previous administration.

Nnadi revealed, “In response to our requests and those of stakeholders, the former Minister of Transportation pledged to present them to the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

One of these requests was the full reopening of this border. The Ministry has informed us that the memo has been written and adopted by FEC, and it will be passed on to the new government. We have been assured that all the requests have been accepted.”

With the approval for the re-opening of the Seme land border for vehicle importation, the government aims to address the concerns raised by freight forwarders and boost revenue generation in the region.

The vehicles manufactured by Innoson include trucks, mini-buses, ambulances, long buses, and SUVs, among others. Dr. Innocent Chukwuma, the Chief Executive Officer of IVM, emphasized the safety of CNG vehicles and the availability of various car models to meet the demands of customers.

According to Dr. Chukwuma, the production of CNG vehicles is a response to the diverse needs of the market. He also highlighted the company’s flexibility in manufacturing different types of vehicles, including electric cars, biogas-powered vehicles, and solar-powered vehicles.

The government of Anambra State, represented by Mr. Christian Udechukwu, the Commissioner for Industry, expressed the state’s commitment to providing solutions to the challenges faced by Nigerians due to the removal of fuel subsidies.

Mr. Udechukwu recognized Innoson’s renewable technologies, such as CNG, LNG, and solar power, as potential contributors to Nigeria’s mass transport system.

Mr. Cornel Osigwe, the Head of Corporate Communications at IVM, highlighted the advantages of natural gas vehicles and emphasized the importance of supporting local manufacturers. He explained that natural gas has a higher combustion rate than fuel, making it more environmentally friendly.

Osigwe emphasized the significance of transportation in economic development and the need for better transportation options in Nigeria.

Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing’s introduction of CNG-powered vehicles provides Nigerians with an alternative to petrol and diesel vehicles. This move aligns with the demand for sustainable transportation options and supports the country’s economic development

Hirohide Ichikawa, the managing director of Honda Nigeria Limited, announced the new product as “extremely reliable for commercial and private use” during his keynote talk.

The new Honda Unicorn, he continued, “was produced using the same cutting-edge precision technology that is synonymous with the Honda brand, and its unique and remarkable features make it the greatest in its class.”

According to him, the Honda Unicorn is designed to perfection after extensive engagement with Honda’s business partners, the distribution value chain, and personal users, adding that the motorcycle is popular in India and the Middle

East where the company recorded sales of more than 150,000 units in a year.

Ichikawa explained that the company decided to launch the Honda Unicorn despite the current economic climate in Nigeria.

“We are particularly proud that the Honda Unicorn is being launched today under the present difficult operating terrain in Nigeria. This doesn’t only symbolizes the hope for a better future but also expresses our continued belief and trust in the Nigerian dream,” he added

In a presentation, the company’s sales manager, Olabade Badejo, stated that the Unicorn motorcycle stands out because it is practical for riders and that its parts are readily available.

“It offers superior quality and durability and has the lowest fuel usage. It is pretty valuable at resale.

The motorcycle is marketed to individual and business clients, the company claims. It may also be used by bank dispatch riders, delivery companies, businesses, leisure riders, and security agencies for patrol.

Stating further that Honda motorcycles are used in over 175 countries, Badejo accentuated the company’s plan to commence safety riding training in April 2023 to improve the riding skills of riders, increase profitability and boost the safety image of the organization.

He added that the training would be focused on riding mechanisms, accident, and responsibility, cornering postures, balancing, and braking systems.

He mentioned that President Muhammadu Buhari had given the go-ahead for the FRSC to purchase more tow trucks.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has instructed its commanding officers in a number of units to clear roadways of abandoned and malfunctioning vehicles.

This was announced by Bisi Kazeem, an FRSC spokesperson, on Friday in Abuja.

In order to prevent traffic blockage, Kazeem stated that the corps was committed to clearing abandoned and damaged automobiles from highways.

He stated that while it was more challenging to remove articulated vehicles than smaller ones, the FRSC worked every day to remove all road impediments.

The official noted that to help with the evacuation, the corps has tow vehicles in most states.

“As of today, the corps has 28 tow trucks in 23 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

In states where we do not have, commanding officers leverage on public/private partnership to ensure swift removal of obstructions,” he stated. “The tow trucks are mainly in state capitals.”

According to him, if a vehicle is burnt or damaged to the level that tow trucks cannot drag it off the road, the corps will use other means to remove it.

“The corps understands the dangers of not removing broken down vehicles from the roads,” he stressed.

He noted that President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the procurement of more tow trucks for FRSC.

“These tow trucks have been inaugurated and deployed to various formations across the country,” he stated.

“With these additional facilities, rest assured that you will notice a great improvement in our operational activities, including prompt removal of obstructions.”