Following the fuel price increase, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing mass-produced different types of compressed natural gas buses as a viable option for Nigerians.
The company’s plant in Nnewi, Anambra State, hosted the display of the CNG automobiles. The vehicles include e trucks, minibuses, ambulances, long buses, and SUVs.
Speaking during the unveiling, Dr. Innocent Chukwuma, Chief Executive Officer of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM), informed Nigerians that CNG vehicles are safe and that various automobiles are available.
“We manufacture according to demand, and we manufactured these buses because there is a demand for them now. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we produced more ambulances, so we are on the ground and ready to produce. CNG vehicles bring a solution to total dependence on one or two kinds of vehicles.
“The CNG vehicles are a solution, that’s why we produce them. We made space for CNG, LNG, and fuel so that anyone available in an area can be used to drive the vehicles. Electric cars, biogas, and solar-powered vehicles are also produced in this factory.”
The Governor of Anambra State stated that the state is preparing to offer answers to the problems Nigerians are experiencing due to the withdrawal of subsidies. The Commissioner for Industry, Anambra State, Mr. Christian Udechukwu, represented the Governor at the event.
He stated, “We are aware that Innoson has renewable technologies, CNG, LNG and Solar powered technologies that can contribute to the mass transport system in Nigeria and other national solutions”.
“The withdrawal of the subsidy has created a shock and the price of fuel has increased by almost 200% leading to restiveness in the Nigerian Labour Congress, the trade unions, and other Nigerians. The cost of transportation has risen apparently and one of the ways the government can alleviate that is by introducing mass transit systems that run on alternative energies as well as fuel. The more you have the ones that run on gas and solar, the greater the chances of a stable fuel price due to the existence of choices and Innoson offers that.”
Mr. Cornel Osigwe, IVM’s Head of Corporate Communications, emphasized the benefits of natural gas cars and the need to patronize local manufacturers.
According to him, “Gas has high combustion rate than fuel. So generally, gas is more environmentally friendly. Nigerians are used to petrol cars but the abundance of natural gas has provided sustainable alternatives to all.
“Transportation is very crucial to economic development. Beyond the movement of people from one place to another, it also facilitates the quick and effective distribution of goods and services.
“At this stage in Nigeria’s development, better transportation options are the perfect solution to the rising dependence on petrol and diesel to meet the transportation needs of over 200 million persons.
“Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, an indigenous car manufacturing company has produced hundreds of CNG-powered vehicles suitable for Nigerian and African Roads.”
cc: Punch Ng
