By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A Nigerian lender has been accused of frustrating local business owners by not financing Made-in-Nigeria vehicles but promoting the purchase of foreign vehicles.

This allegation was made by the owner of a local vehicle assembly firm, Nord Motion, Mr Oluwatobi Ajayi, in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

He described this as an economic sabotage, stressing that this action does not encourage local investors.

“A business owner in the oil and gas sector approached us that he would like to buy two units of the @nordmotion Max pickup for his company. Apparently, he was impressed with the vehicle after some rides with his peers in the sector.

“To my shock, yesterday, my team told me that the bank, a bank operating in Nigeria told him that they do not finance Made-in-Nigeria vehicles, and they even suggested to our customer that he should go for foreign brands instead.

“The most provocative part of this is that all of the brands they suggested to him identified as Made-in-Nigeria brands in their filings with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), which means they decide who they want to be whenever it suits them.

“This is yet another example of the needless sabotage and institutional bias against Nigerian manufacturers and assemblers that we experience in this sector.

“The President aims to grow us into a $1 trillion economy. Nigerians want to buy Made-in-Nigeria products, we are working very hard to produce world-class vehicles, but some banks, who should play the role of credit facilitators, are displaying open prejudice against locally made vehicles.

“What sort of economic sabotage is this?

“Many of us who continue to assemble and manufacture vehicles here do so not just for profit, but out of patriotism and belief in the long game. We see this as a marathon, not a sprint.

“We cannot continue using Nigerian resources to strengthen foreign factories while starving our own indigenous companies of opportunities.

“If we truly want this country to be better, then we must support goods and services made in Nigeria, especially those of us who have shown we can deliver world-class standards. The support has to be real, not just in words, but in policy, in finance, and in action.

“Every time we deny support for local production, we export jobs, skills, and economic growth that should belong here,” he narrated.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A low-cost, air-conditioned shared-ride service designed for offices, churches, schools, and large groups has been launched by Lagride.

The mini buses were introduced to disrupt Korope transport in Lagos and a major step in modernising group transportation across the city.

Known as Lagride Omni, the smart mobility platform delivers a new kind of Lagos experience built on comfort, convenience, and community.

A statement said the company is recruiting 1,000 new manual drivers to join the Omni fleet. Every driver will receive professional training and certification through the Lagride Academy, established in partnership with the Lagos State Government, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), and other transport-safety stakeholders.

It was disclosed that residents of the metropolis have started to book the ride for convenience and comfort, enjoying the air-conditioned space and the ability to move together with friends, family, or colleagues without spending more.

Unlike regular buses that stop repeatedly to pick up and drop off passengers, the Lagride Omni makes zero stops. Each ride is private and direct, whether booked by an individual or a group on the Lagide app, and it still comes at an unbeatable price.

The chairman of Lagride, Ms Diana Chen, described the Omni as a significant leap forward in the company’s mission to democratise mobility in Africa’s largest city.

“Mobility is one of the greatest drivers of opportunity. By making modern transport affordable and accessible to every segment of society, Lagride is helping to build a more connected Lagos where movement creates meaning and community thrives,” she stated.

On his part, the acting Managing Director of Lagride, Mr Jubril Arogundade, said the Omni was designed to meet the real needs of Lagosians who move together daily.

“With the Lagride Omni, one person can make a single booking and everyone joins the same ride. From offices to churches and community events, this is how Lagos will move together safely, conveniently, and in comfort,” he noted.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A driver identified as Mr Yusuf Baba has been directed by a High Court sitting in Abuja to pay about N3.2 million for damages caused to FRSC patrol vehicle and other impounded vehicles during his attempt to evade arrest.

A statement issued by the Corps Public Education Officer of FRSC, Mr Olusegun Ogungbemide, disclosed that the court, in its judgement on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, also found Mr Baba guilty dangerous driving, convicting and sentencing him to three months imprisonment or a fine of N50,000.

However, he was not found guilty of assaulting a marshal on duty on June 10, 2025, when the incident occurred under the Dantata Bridge in Abuja, , according to the statement.

It was disclosed that the convict was flagged down by FRSC operatives for the primary offence of overloading, but sped, lost control, and crashed into an FRSC patrol vehicle and another offender’s car, damaging the vehicles before fleeing the scene.

He was later apprehended at Major Filling Station, along CITEC Road, and promptly charged to court on two counts bothering on dangerous driving and assaulting a marshal on duty.

The court in its judgement also suspended his driver’s licence for three months and ordered full restitution for the vehicles damaged through his reckless conduct.

Reacting to the verdict, the Corps Marshal, Mr Shehu Mohammed, described the judgment as “a resounding victory for road safety, law enforcement, and the principle of accountability on Nigerian roads.”

“This judgment has once again proven that the era of impunity on our roads is over. Anyone who endangers lives, attacks law enforcement, or damages public property will face the full wrath of the law. FRSC will never back down in defending the safety and dignity of its operatives and road users.”

He commended the judiciary for its courage and the legal department of the FRSC for its steadfastness in pursuing justice, advising all motorists to obey traffic rules, respect patrol operatives, and drive responsibly, as the Corps remains relentless in its mission to safeguard lives and restore sanity on Nigerian roads.