The Managing Director of Lanre Shittu Motors, Taiwo Shittu, has made a formal appeal to President Bola Tinubu, urging support for local auto assembly companies to enhance the mass production of compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered vehicles.
During a media briefing held in Lagos, Shittu expressed the company’s readiness to introduce locally assembled CNG buses to the market.
This announcement follows the government's recent efforts to promote CNG as a viable alternative to traditional fuels, particularly after the removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023.
In October 2023, President Tinubu launched the Presidential CNG Initiative, which aims to deliver more affordable, safer, and environmentally friendly vehicles, thereby reducing reliance on premium motor spirit.
Shittu emphasized the potential benefits of using natural gas in Nigeria's transportation sector, noting that it could significantly lower operational costs and save the country substantial amounts spent on fuel imports.
He stated, “We expect the government to support and identify companies with the capacity to sustain the campaign,” suggesting that assistance could come in the form of funding, grants, and tax incentives.
Lanre Shittu Motors is committed to the Federal Government's CNG initiative, with plans to roll out 100 percent CNG mass transit buses assembled in Nigeria.
Shittu highlighted the advantages of their CNG engine, claiming it outperforms hybrid diesel engines and is designed for longevity, capable of running over a million miles.
The company is investing heavily in the CNG project, with plans to deploy mobile CNG filling stations across the country to enhance accessibility.
Shittu's vision includes not only the production of buses but also a commitment to supporting the government's green energy initiatives to reduce carbon emissions from fossil fuels.
