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Tag: Stallion Group

  • Auto firm expands brand with four new models

    Auto firm expands brand with four new models

    Nigerian automobile distributor, Stallion Group, has expanded its MG lineup with launch of four new models –  MG RX9, MG RX5, MG5 CNG (Bi-fuel), and MG T60 Pickup. 

    With the move, the firm reaffirmed its commitment to delivering innovative, reliable, and energy-efficient mobility solutions to motorists. While the MG brand is of British origin, its vehicles are produced and manufactured by SAIC Motor Corp.

    The unveiling, at Stallion MG Showroom at Akin Adesola/ Kofo Abayomi Street, VI Lagos, brought together journalists and auto enthusiasts.

    General Sales Manager for the brand in Nigeria, Josephine Nwosu, described the launch as a strategic move to close the year on a high note by introducing models tailored to evolving consumer needs vehicles that blend innovation, efficiency, and value.

    Nwosu said: “This launch coincides with the festive season, a key period for automotive sales and brand engagement. MGs reputation for quality and innovation complements our vision to elevate the automotive experience for Nigerian drivers.”

    Nwosu explained that with introduction of SUV RX9, SUV RX5, MG5 CNG (Bi-fuel), and T60 Pickup, Stallion MG is deepening its presence by offering stylish, high-performance cars that deliver reliability and affordability.

    “We aim to reinforce Stallion MG commitment to the local auto sector through technology-driven solutions,” she said.

    As demand for reliable and stylish vehicles continues to rise, MGs impressive lineup including electric and hybrid options reflects the global shift toward sustainable mobility.

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    The RX9 leads the lineup as MGs luxury flagship SUV, featuring a spacious three-row interior, intelligent infotainment with BOSE audio system, and a powerful yet efficient 2.0T Net Blue engine. Designed for comfort, safety, and performance, it represents the pinnacle of MGs craftsmanship.

    Compact, dynamic, and tech-forward, RX5 is powered by 1.5L turbocharged engine with a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission. Its design, panoramic sunroof, and advanced connectivity make it ideal for modern urban lifestyle.

    The MG5 CNG introduces an affordable, environmentally friendly alternative to conventional fuels. Running on compressed natural gas, it offers reduced emissions, extended range and lower running costs, aligning with the Federal Governments push for greener mobility solutions.

    Built tough for Nigerias terrain, the MG T60 pickup combines power and versatility. With 2.4L petrol and 2.8L turbo diesel engine options in 4×2 and 4×4 configurations, it is designed for durability, high towing capacity, and comfort ideal for business and leisure.

    Nwosu emphasised that the models highlight Stallion MGs commitment to value, modern design, safety, fuel efficiency, and advanced technology backed by trusted aftersales.

    She said Stallion MG partnership with MG Motors is built on dedicated service, genuine parts, and strong support.

  • Stallion Group gets agric awards

    A company under the Stallion Group, Popular Farms and Mills Limited, has been awarded the IBCA-Outstanding Projects and Business Leader of the Year Award.

    A statement from the firm yesterday noted that the Stallion Group acknowledged “the quintessential and impeccable leadership qualities and magnanimous approach of President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, in the agriculture sector and their pathfinder initiative of the change agenda”.

    It hailed the “IBCA for creating this platform to acknowledge the real positive change-makers in the agriculture sector and OPAL nomination committee for nominating and rewarding Stallion Group for the Business Leader of the Year and Outstanding Project awards”.

    According to the statement, “these awards are testimonials to our efforts at expanding operations in Nigeria’s fully integrated rice value chain, resulting in a boost of 430,000 metric tonnes of rice production per annum.

    “The group is targeting production of 1.5 million tonnes of rice in Nigeria through the setting up of more milling capacities and structured farming activities.

    “Stallion has established fully integrated agricultural operations, including world-class rice mills at strategic locations, with the aim of promoting milling and paddy cultivation in the captive areas, thus creating a catalyst for increased local production of paddy and, ultimately, Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in rice production.

    The firm’s Director, Mr. Harpreet Singh, while commenting on the awards, said: “Sensing the need for local self-sufficiency and government’s ambitions for food security, Stallion pioneered investments into backward integration, creating a fully integrated value chain.

    “We are working tirelessly to improve farm yields and bring in sustainable and scalable growth to farmers,” Singh said.

    To energise its backward integration value-chain, Stallion Group embarked on an initiative to include local manufacturing facilities for packaging and countrywide distribution infrastructure designed to meet the demands of the Nigerian people across the various states.

  • Stallion Group honoured at agric awards

    Multinational conglomerate, Stallion Group has won the Corporate Achiever in Agriculture and Agro-Brand of the Year awards at the Nigeria Agriculture Awards held in Lagos.

    The awards were in recognition of the company’s performance in the country’s fully integrated rice value chain, contributing to Nigeria’s aim of self-sufficiency in rice production and for maintaining an impressive rice brand.

    Stallion plans to expand capacities in Nigeria to 1.5 million tonnes in collaboration with farmers, institutions and other stakeholders in the rice value chain.

    The organizers were confident that such special recognition of individuals and corporate organizations that have distinguished themselves as critical actors in the agricultural sector would motivate other stakeholders.

    The annual Nigeria Agriculture Awards (NAA) honours performing Nigerian farmers in the various agricultural sectors. The award is aimed at recognising and rewarding men, women, businesses and institutions that have contributed to Nigeria’s re-emergence as a veritable force in agriculture.

     

  • Stallion Group Wins Nissan Global Award for Nigeria

    Stallion Group Wins Nissan Global Award for Nigeria

    Multinational conglomerate Stallion Group has won the 2015 Nissan Global National Sales Company Award for its outstanding achievement in Nigeria. The award recognizes Nissan’s growth in the Nigerian market, whilst reinforcing its growing industrial footprint. Stallion is Nissan’s exclusive manufacturer and distributor in Nigeria.

    It may be recalled that Stallion established Nigeria’s first automotive assembly facility in partnership with Nissan as a pioneering initiative in April 2014, pursuant to the Federal Government’s announcement of the nation’s new automotive policy late in 2013.

    Since the launch of Nigeria assembled Nissan vehicles, four models are being assembled in the country creating significant employment, with the local human resources undergoing extensive training from global automotive experts from Nissan’sinternational auto plants.

    The thriving partnership with Stallion has resulted in Nissan meeting the needs of Nigerian customers through expanding product range and countrywideretail network. The new Victoria Island showroom was the eleventh Nissan outlet in the country – a demonstration of Nissan’s long-term commitment to increase brand visibility in Africa’s most populous country.

    Sunil Vaswani, Chairman of Stallion Group, said: “Together with Nissan we are seeking to complement Nigeria’s ambitions to become the region’s automotive hub.We are providing a comprehensive range of passenger, commercial and recreational vehicles, and are currently engaged in a dynamic program of new model introductions.”

    He added: “Stallion is investing into developing an integrated value chainfor its brands in the country, thereby acting as a catalyst for Nigeria’s automotive eco system.”

    Managing Director and President of Nissan South Africa, Mike Whitfield, said: “We have worked side by side with the Stallion Group to achieve what is a very encouraging increase in our share of the key Nigerian market.Within Nissan we have a strong desire to make a full and lasting contribution to rebuilding automotive industrialisation in Nigeria and to play an important role in the growth of the manufacturing sector.

    “I would personally like to congratulate the entire Stallion NMN team on a job well done. I am confident we will maintain this great momentum going forward.” Whitfield concluded.

    Jim Dando, Nissan General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, said, “We’re well placed in the Sub-Saharan region to meet our customers’ needs through an expanding model range, retail network and an evolving industrial footprint in Nigeria building cars ‘in’ Africa, ‘for’ Africa.

  • Stallion Group denies duty evasion allegation

    Stallion Group, a multi national company, has denied allegations of duty evasion on rice imports leveled against it.

    In a statement, the group said it has not committed any fraud or evaded any due obligations of import duties in 2014 as alleged.

    The statement reads: “Popular Farms and Mills Limited and Masco Agro Allied Industries Limited being subsidiaries of Stallion Group importedXYZ matric tonnes of rice, and fully paid a total duty and levies of N17 billion at the prevailing duty and levy rates as approved by Mr. President for millers under the new National Rice Policy contained in circular no. BD/FP/TT/50/1/99 of 8th July,2014.

    “Our rice production companies are contending that, legally, the retrospective duties being demanded by the Nigeria Customs Service are not payable and will adhere to any final judgment made by the country’s rule of law and due process.The rice companies have also issued a bond to secure Nigeria Customs from any potential proven obligation; therefore there is no question of any fraud or evasion. Our companies have not sought or received any “waivers” as misunderstood by some.

    “We are a law-abiding group with international operations in several countries that strictly comply with all applicable law, rules and regulations. Stallion will never evade or avoid any lawfully due obligations in any of its business transactions in any country.”

  • Stallion eyes 1.5m tonnes in rice production

    Stallion eyes 1.5m tonnes in rice production

    Stallion Group is planning  to produce 1.5 million tonnes of rice this year.

    Leveraging on the policy impetus provided by Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA), the   Group   said it has already increased local production to 430,000 metric tonnes per annum.

    To achieve this target, the firm said it is setting up more milling capacities and structured farming activities. The firm’s investments to boost the rice supply chain is expected to exceed N30 billion in the next few months.

    The Group is producing premium varieties of rice from local paddy being marketed by the company under the names “Royal Stallion Shinkafa” and “Super Champion’’, which are now amongst the most popular Made-in-Nigeria brands of rice.

    Stallion Group Chairman Sunil Vaswani said: “Sensing the need for local self-sufficiency and alignment with the Federal Government’s ambitions for food security, Stallion pioneered investments into backward integration, creating a fully integrated value chain. Stallion is working tirelessly to improve farm yields and bring in sustainable and scalable growth to farmers.”

    Within the last 10 years, the Group has established fully integrated agricultural operations, including world-class rice mills at strategic locations, to promote milling and paddy cultivation in the captive areas. Its activities have increased local production of paddy, thereby contributing to the nation becoming self-sufficient in rice production.

    Stallion’s efforts to increase local rice production began as early as 2007, when the associated challenges were more complex.

    The company has established several collection centres across rice producing states of Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Niger, Jigawa, Sokoto and Kano, which will assist farmers in understanding modern rice farming techniques. Besides, it will focus on forming associations with various farmers’ cooperatives and  progressive farmers with a view to leading the nation’s  rice revolution.

    The Group said it is poised to be a leading contributor in the country’s quest for self-sufficiency in rice production.

    Its vision is to preserve and enrich rice production by ensuring seeds genetic integrity, encouraging farmers to adopt modern agricultural practices and processing technologies.

    Stallion has fully backward integrated rice value chain production programme, including procurement through collection centres, partnership with co-operatives and farmers, logistic and post-harvest services and marketing.

    Stallion’s operations also include local manufacturing facilities for packaging and distribution of various products.

  • Reps to probe Stallion Group, two others for alleged N43b duty evasion

    Reps to probe Stallion Group, two others for alleged N43b duty evasion

    The House of Representatives is to  investigate  all investor companies involved in rice importation under the new policy to determine, it emerged yesterday.

    The investigation was prompted by the violation of the policy by  three major companies found to have exceeded their approved quota.

    The three companies were also alleged to have evaded payment of import duties to the Federal government to the tune of about N43 billion.

    The investigation is expected to ascertain the exact amount owed government by the affected companies.

    In addition, the investigation would ascertain the approved quota for each importer against their excess imports in metric tons.

    Appropriate measures for recovering the debt would also be recommended by the investigation panel.

    The decision of the lawmakers followed the adoption of the prayers of a motion by Simon Arabo (PDP, Kaduna) who accused major importers of conniving with foreign investors to undermine the nation’s economy.

    He said: “Stallion Group, Popular Foods and Olam Nig Ltd in collusion with their foreign investors have imported rice exceeding their approved quota and thus owe the Federal government about N28,399b.

    “Stallion Group and Popular Foods with an unpaid outstanding import duty of over N15b has imported another 85,000mts of rice into the country.

    “The actions of the companies are capable of scuttling the country’s self-sufficiency drive in rice production and act and also deny the Federal government the needed revenue on import duties”.

    The motion was unanimously adopted when it was put to voice vote by the Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal.

    When The Nation contacted the Director, Corporate and Government Relations, Olams Nigeria Limited, Mr. Ade Adefeko, he said his firm has not been contacted formally, hence, there is nothing to say for now. “We have only heard it in the news like every other person; We, as a company, have not received any official communication on this matter. If we are officially notified, then we will respond either orally, or in writing and if need be, we are willing to appear before the honourable House physically,” Adefeko said.

    The report on the investigation is expected to be turned in three weeks.

  • Stallion Group in Top 100 Businesses list

    Stallion Group in Top 100 Businesses list

    Multinational conglomerate, Stallion Group was honoured yesterday by President Dr Goodluck Jonathan as one of the top companies that have contributed immensely to the economic development of the country.

    The Top 100 Business list, which is the first in the history of the country, was a brainchild of President  Jonathan. Stallion was ranked within the top 15 companies and was one of the only two high ranked conglomerates along with  Dangote Group.

    Stallion was listed among the highest ranked companies in Nigeria that included multinational oil giants including ExxonMobil, Shell, Chevron, TotalEni Agip/Saipem and CNOOC Oil. Others include MTN, Zenith Bank and FirstBank.

    The award presentation ceremony, which was held in Abuja, is aimed at encouraging high performing companies to further contribute to the economy in more significant ways.

    The award, the first in Nigeria, took into account the  taxes paid, the employment generated, corporate social responsibility and the companies’ turnover.

    Speaking at the dinner for recipients, President  Jonathan said: “The companies are the frontiers of our economy and will help the country achieve the Top 10 economy in the world status.”

    Also speaking at the occasion, Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Olusegun Aganga said: “The Top 100 companies account for 20 per cent of Nigeria $510 million Gross Domestic Product (GDP).”

    He said the country adopted similar criteria as Fortune 500 in the United States in selecting the top businesses, adding that it made it very objective and verifiable.

    He said: “We want to make it absolutely clear that it has integrity.”

    He expressed pride at the achievement of the selected companies, stressing that it is investors that create jobs, wealth, facilitate economic growth and generate income for the government.

    Promoted by multi billionaire Sunil Vaswani, Stallion is a multi business conglomerate with a 45-year history in Nigeria and presence in 18 countries engaging in commodities, industries, automobile assembly, agriculture, mining, steel, plastics, petro-chemicals, packaging, IT/automation, real estate, shipping and banking.

    Stallion’s top ranking and recognition heralds its strong position as a well-entrenched conglomerate in the privileged company of multinational oil majors and leading banking and telecom companies.

  • Nissan, Stallion to build auto assembly plant

    Nissan, Stallion to build auto assembly plant

    Nissan and West African conglomerate Stallion Group yesterday announced plans to jointly build a vehicle assembly in Nigeria.

    Their plan is in anticipation of the Federal Government’s approval of a new Automobile Industrial Policy, designed to encourage development of the auto industry.

    A statement signed by Chairman, Stallion Group Sunil Vaswani said the partnership would see Nissan become the first major international manufacturer to start a vehicle assembly in the country following the legislation.

    “The parties have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which will result in Stallion – already Nissan’s exclusive distributor in Nigeria – increasing capacity at its existing plant, VON Automobile Ltd in Lagos,” the statement said, adding that Stallion currently produces commercial vehicles at the facility.

    According to Vaswani, the plant’s yearly capacity will be expanded to 45,000 units to assemble a range of cars, light duty trucks, pick-ups and vans.

    He said details of the product line-up would be confirmed at a later date. It is envisaged that the first product to be introduced will be the iconic Nissan Patrol SUV in spring 2014.

    Vaswani said the government initiative was aimed at making Nigeria the regional leader in the industry. He said capacity at the plant would also be opened to Nissan’s Alliance partner Renault, to be utilised according to future business needs.

    Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn, said: “We welcome the proactive measures being taken by the government of Nigeria to encourage inward investment and job creation driven by local auto manufacturing.

    “Together with our local partner, Nissan is preparing to make Nigeria a significant manufacturing hub in Africa. As the first-mover in Nigeria, we are positioned for the long-term growth of this market and across the broader continent.”

  • Stallion Group wins Thailand award

    Stallion Group wins Thailand award

    Stallion Group has won this year’s “Thailand’s Best Friend” award. At a ceremony in Bangkok, the Prime Minister, Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, lauded the company for winning the award for the fourth time in a row.
    Sunil Vaswani, Chairman of the Stallion Group received the award at a ceremony organised by the Thai Government. He said, “This gesture signifies Thailand’s highest regard for its partners who share a common vision of sustainable growth of trade between countries. At Stallion, we believe in progress through partnerships: the one we have with Thailand is invaluable and is critical to our future plans.”
    The Stallion Group is present in over 18 countries employing 10,000 staff. It is engaged in commodities, agri-business, automobiles, food products, FMCG, industries and services.