Lanre Shittu Motors Introduces Full CNG Buses, Ready To Install Mobile CNG Stations Across The Country

Indigenous automaker, Lanre Shittu Motors, introduces Nigeria-assembled full Compressed Natural Gas-powered buses.

It said 100 units of the LSM-branded CNG-powered buses in two specifications would be introduced into Nigerian market.

These includes 31-seater for intra-airport shuttle and a 54-seater Mass Transit City bus that can travel 450-500 km before recharge.

The company said LSM-branded CNG bus would give 70% reduction in operation costs, unlike petrol-diesel powered variants.

LSM said it is willing to install mobile CNG stations across the country, especially for those buying large fleet.

Lanre Shittu Motors, one of Nigeria’s leading automakers, has become the first company in the country to manufacture 100 per cent Compressed Natural Gas-powered buses in Nigeria.

The CNG vehicles are being assembled at the Amuwo Odofin assembly plant in Lagos, Managing Director of Lanre Shittu Motors, Mr. Taiwo Shittu, told journalists at a media launch of the LSM-branded buses.

In the first phase, Shittu said 100 units of the buses in two specifications would be introduced into Nigerian market. These includes a 31-seater for intra-airport shuttle and a 54-seater Mass Transit City bus that can travel 450-500 kilometres before recharge.

“Now we have the real CNG new buses on the ground. We are the first to have full CNG vehicles for sale, others are converted engines or hybrid,” the MD said.

“Any state that is really interested in saving cost should be talking to us. We have two specifications, one for airport shuttle, and the other for mass transit city bus.”

“They all have charging stations. While on the move, you can charge your phones. The bus is air-conditioned, durable and installed with viewing screens,” he added.

Speaking further, Shittu said that the LSM-branded CNG bus would give 70 per cent reduction in operation costs, unlike petrol-diesel powered variants.

“For instance, while the CNG costs N200-N230/kg, diesel is sold from N1,200 to N1,400/litre, depending on the state you are buying from.

“While some drivers have the habit of siphoning fuel from a vehicle for the purposes of selling or using it elsewhere, this cannot happen with CNG.

“The money saved could be utilised to solve other vital problems including paying workers’ increased salary based on approved new minimum wage.”

Also speaking, Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Joseph Osanipin, commended Lanre Shittu Motors for the initiative.

“Now that LSM has taken the bold step which l hope others will key into; no need to bother about the cost of conversion because the vehicles are already factory-fitted.

“Those that need this type of pure 100% CNG buses are mainly the commercial transporters. We at the NADDC are working with LSM to test run it.

“LSM will provide the expertise while Pi-CNG (Presidential CNG Initiative) will provide the necessary support and NADDC will ensure the training of people that will handle it.”

To further support President Bola Tinubu’s CNG initiative of easing public transportation, the company said it is willing to install mobile CNG stations across the country, especially for those buying large fleet.

“We can deploy mobile CNG stations across different locations; we can install for people around their locations,” Deputy Managing Director of the company, Mr Lukman Shittu, added.

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