Lanre Shittu Motors, a leading indigenous automotive company, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to provide substantial support to local autoassemblers to facilitate the mass production of compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered vehicles. This move aligns with the government’s ongoing CNG initiative aimed at reducing dependence on fossil fuels and promoting a more sustainable transportation sector.
In a recent statement, Taiwo Shittu, the Managing Director of Lanre Shittu Motors, emphasised the company’s readiness to flood the Nigerian market with locally assembled full CNG buses. He expressed confidence in the potential of CNG to offer a more affordable, safer, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
The government’s CNG initiative, launched following the removal of fuel subsidies, seeks to address the escalating costs associated with imported petrol and diesel. By transitioning to natural gas, the government aims to reduce transportation costs, enhance productivity, and save billions of naira in foreign exchange.
Shittu stressed the importance of government support for local autoassemblers, including funding, grants, and tax incentives, to ensure the sustainability of the CNG campaign. He highlighted the company’s commitment to the initiative and its plans to roll out new CNG-powered mass transit buses assembled entirely in Nigeria.
“Our CNG-powered engines are superior to hybrid diesel and converted diesel engines, offering exceptional durability and fuel efficiency,” Shittu stated. “We are investing heavily in this project and are targeting the production of 100 units in the initial phase.”
Lanre Shittu Motors boasts a strong track record with over 43 years of experience in the automotive industry. The company’s commitment to local content is evident in its use of domestically sourced components, including glass, seats, fabrications, and lubricants.
The company’s Deputy Managing Director, Lukman Shittu, echoed the importance of the green energy initiative and emphasised the potential cost savings associated with CNG. He revealed that CNG could reduce operational costs by up to 70%, as it is significantly cheaper than diesel.
To further support the CNG initiative, Lanre Shittu Motors is deploying mobile CNG filling stations across the country. This strategic move will make it more convenient for vehicle owners to access CNG fuel.
The company’s appeal for government support underscores the critical role of collaboration between the public and private sectors in driving the transition to cleaner energy sources and promoting sustainable economic development in Nigeria.