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Dangote Becomes Largest Operator of CNG Trucks With $280m Investment
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Over $280 million has been invested by Dangote Cement Plc in compressed natural gas (CNG) technology and infrastructure to enhance energy efficiency and drive economic growth in Nigeria.
The cement maker turned to CNG in demonstration of its support for President Bola Tinubu’s drive for cheaper and cleaner fuelling alternatives for all Nigerians.
At a recent event, the President emphasised the urgent need for Nigeria to utilise its vast natural gas resources in the transportation sector.
He stated that CNG transportation is an economic necessity for Nigeria, signalling a significant shift in the country’s approach to public transportation and energy use.
This has spurred Dangote Cement to adopt CNG, reflecting its dedication to mitigating climate change and supporting a transition to a low-carbon economy, making it the largest operator of CNG trucks in the country.
The chief executive of Dangote Group, Mr Aliko Dangote, said his company’s investments in CNG are also in line with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, which aims for net-zero emissions by 2060.
“In this pursuit of transition to clean energy, we are optimistic of a remarkable accomplishment by President Tinubu, as he has taken the lead in the nation’s drive towards energy efficiency. This presupposes private sector intervention to support this noble idea initiated by the President,” he stated.
The businessman noted that the firm’s early adoption of CNG has made it the largest operator of CNG trucks in Nigeria, emphasising that the initiative is a boost to Mr Tinubu’s quest towards enhancing the nation’s energy independence and contributing to a more secure energy future.
“We are now using CNG vehicles, especially with the new policy of the federal government, launched under the Renewed Hope Agenda by President Tinubu. We are committed to a cleaner and greener future,” Mr Dangote said.
On his part, the chief executive of Dangote Cement, Mr Arvind Pathak, said the cement miller aims to acquire 100 per cent CNG trucks as part of a long-term plan to transition its entire fleet to CNG.
He disclosed that the CNG infrastructure investments have positively influenced Nigeria’s transition to cleaner fuels, adding that the CNG station at Obajana, capable of refuelling over 3,000 trucks, exemplifies this commitment, with a second station currently under development in Ibese to support fleet operations further.
“By mid-2026, Dangote Cement aims to operate a fleet predominantly powered by CNG. To facilitate this transformation, we are investing in expanding our CNG fuelling infrastructure, ensuring that our growing fleet has reliable access to CNG as our fuel,” Mr Pathak said.
He added that plans are afoot to aggressively pursue this timeline of deployment, beginning from the first quarter of 2025, saying, “We are keeping our eyes on the ball to ensure that we do not miss our target dates of full compliance.”
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CIG Motors, Stanbic IBTC Bank Facilitate Affordable Vehicle Ownership
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
A partnership has been entered into between Stanbic IBTC Bank and CIG Motors to make it easier for Nigerians to acquire automobiles this season.
This comes at a time when many individuals and families are seeking affordable ways to own cars.
This deal will also provide incentives to customers purchasing through the Stanbic IBTC Vehicle and Asset Finance (VAF) product.
As part of this collaboration, CIG Motors is also giving a five-year warranty on all its GAC vehicle models.
It was gathered that the aim is to simplify the rigorous process of owning a brand-new vehicle, with a flexible-repayment structure, and a 10 per cent discount rate on all vehicles purchased within 12 months.
As the automotive market expands, collaborations like Stanbic IBTC Bank and CIG Motors are crucial for promoting customer satisfaction and fostering loyalty. The combination of quality vehicles and favourable financial solutions is set to transform the car-buying experience, making it efficient and enjoyable.
“Through this partnership, Nigerians are guaranteed to experience a premium and hassle-free process in owning brand new vehicles that suit their taste.
“CIG Motors’ expertise in the automobile sector, enhanced by Stanbic IBTC Bank’s Vehicle and Asset Finance (VAF) scheme, will allow equal opportunity for customers to own cars without stress or worry,” an Executive Director at CIG Motors, Jubril Arogundade, said.
Also, the Executive Director for Personal and Private Banking at Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mt Olu Delano, said, “The collaboration enhances the purchasing power of our customers, enabling them to access a broad range of brand-new vehicles under CIG Motors. It also highlights our commitment to fostering economic growth in the communities we serve.
“Stanbic IBTC Bank and CIG Motors’ collaboration illustrates a broader trend of growth between financial institutions and automobile manufacturers.”
CIG Motors is a renowned automobile company known for cutting-edge designs and reliable automobile brands. The scheme is open to individuals Nigerians (including the self-employed), and businesses seeking to expand their fleets.
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Police Arraign Motorist for Killing OYRTMA Official in Ibadan
By Dipo Olowookere
The police in Oyo State on Monday arraigned the driver of a back 4Matic Benz with registration number LSD 862 JS, for allegedly killing an official of the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), Mr Fabunmi Kehinde.
Business Post reports that on Saturday, the driver of the vehicle allegedly rammed over Mr Kehinde in the Agbowo area of Ibadan, the state capital after he disobeyed a traffic light in the area.
According to an eyewitness, the suspect, while trying to escape after being apprehended by OYRTMA officers, reversed his vehicle and in an attempt to zoom out, killed Mr Kehinde, who had approached the vehicle at the front.
It was said that the traffic control official sustained severe head injuries and was rushed to a hospital in Orogun, where he received treatment.
He was later transferred to another hospital within the Ibadan metropolis where he unfortunately passed away.
The driver attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended by OYRTMA officers and police personnel at the University of Ibadan (UI) area and was taken to Sango Police Station.
On Monday, he was arraigned at the Magistrate Court in Iyaganku, but the matter was later adjourned to Thursday,
Commenting on the incident, the chairman of the traffic control agency in Oyo State, Mr Adekoya Adesagba, described the death as avoidable, though he commended the swift response of the police and OYRTMA officers in apprehending the suspect and expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased officer.
“No one who disrespects or assaults our officers will go unpunished,” he said.
“The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by traffic officers and the need for drivers to exercise caution and respect for the law.
“The suspect has been arraigned at the Magistrate Court, Iyaganku, today, but since the court was on a weekday break, the case was adjourned to Thursday. The suspect remains in police custody,” he added.
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Lagos Wants Fewer Cars on Roads to Drive Growth
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to creating an eco-friendly state with fewer cars on the roads in the future.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said this during a presentation at the closing of the fifth Lagos Real Estate Marketplace Conference and Exhibitions in Lagos.
Mr Osiyemi said that the commitment is in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda of Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s led administration, expressing concerns that traffic congestion costs the state trillions of Naira in budget deficits annually.
The transportation commissioner noted that the heavy reliance on road transportation, which accounts for 90 per cent of travel in Lagos, is unacceptable and unsustainable.
The Commissioner stated that water and rail transportation account for only two per cent of the means of transportation, highlighting their gross underutilisation.
Mr Osiyemi emphasised that every sector in the state must be robust enough to contribute significantly to the wellbeing of its residents, as Lagos accounts for 30 per cent of the nation’s gross domestic product.
He expressed the state’s readiness to maximise the use of intermodal transportation system, to help upscale socio-economic activities in the metropolis and reduce man-hour loss to traffic.
In a panel discussion, the Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Ms Titilayo Oshodi, emphasised the need for the state and its stakeholders to adopt a purposeful approach to waste management.
Ms Oshodi highlighted the importance of a circular economy in recycling, repurposing and reusing waste effectively.
She noted that several policies were already in place in the state for managing waste, urging producers and manufacturers across various sectors to collaborate with the state government to contribute to carbon reduction efforts.
Other panellists including Ms Stella Okengwu, Chief Executive Officer of Winhomes, said that the current economic situation calls for housing to be built based on clear demand that aligns with people’s budgets while Mr John Oamen, Co-founder of Cutstruct, urged the state government to promote the digitisation of construction procurement.
This, he added, would enhance the efficiency and practices of the construction and real estate sectors.
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