‘Nigeria will not be a dumping ground for automobiles’

Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, who gave the assurance at the commissioning of the MAN truck and bus centre by SCOA Nigeria Plc in Lagos, said government’s decision stems from the need to grow the nation’s automobile sector. To this end, he said the government has enjoined automobile operators to ensure strong and reliable […]

Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, who gave the assurance at the commissioning of the MAN truck and bus centre by SCOA Nigeria Plc in Lagos, said government’s decision stems from the need to grow the nation’s automobile sector.

To this end, he said the government has enjoined automobile operators to ensure strong and reliable after-sales support, including availability of modern workshops and  spare-parts depots nationwide manned by well trained  and licenced staff.

He also said the operators should provide training facilities, fleet management services, drivers and transport services, service and maintenance contact and warranty.

He said the government has continued to provide the enabling environment and create opportunities for genuine investors in the economy.

According to him, the Federal government recently launched the Mass Transit Programme which will inject between 1600 and 10,000 high capacity buses into the nation’s transport system.

“This will ease the suffering of commuters and institute a mass transit culture in Nigeria. The three tiers of government, unions, commercial banks and vehicle assemblers and importers will participate in the programme, among others”.

The Minister also disclosed that the nation’s economy offers sufficient room for high quality freight vehicles to replace the growing number of second hand freight vehicles currently plying the roads.

He commended SCOA Nigeria Plc for commissioning the trucks, adding that the development will go a long way to enhance the company’s profile and boost its activities in the nation’s transport industry.

He charged the automobile company to provide the needed support for the MAN buses and trucks it is bringing into the country.

“Government expects SCOA Nigeria Plc to fully support the MAN trucks and buses it is bringing into the country to ensure that the vehicles do not constitute a waste of resources to their owners and a drain on the economy. The company must therefore work closely with Nigerians to ensure that MAN vehicles achieve maximum productivity with minimum downtime.

“I believe SCOA Nigeria Plc has again demonstrated good business judgment and foresight with the establishment of MAN Truck and Bus Centre to support its new MAN trucks and buses services”.