The Nation Newspaper

Tag: vehicles

  • Kia Motors donates 110 vehicles to Australian Open

    Kia Motors donates 110 vehicles to Australian Open

    As the major sponsor of Australian Open 2017, Kia Motors handed over a fleet of 110 official tournament vehicles to Tennis Australia during a ceremony in Melbourne attended by executives from Kia Motors Australia and Tennis Australia, as well as Kia’s global brand ambassador and former Australian Open champion, Rafael Nadal. This year celebrates Kia’s 16th consecutive sponsorship of the Australian Open, and Kia will roll out various on- and off-line programs for tennis fans around the world.

    “We are delighted once again to accept the fleet of Kia vehicles to help keep the Australian Open moving smoothly over the next few weeks, connecting visiting fans from around the world to the biggest annual sporting event in January,” Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley, said, adding: “It’s a huge logistical exercise to move all our players, officials, media and staff around Melbourne during the tournament and every year this is achieved thanks to Kia’s reliability and support.”

    This year’s fleet of vehicles, including 50 Carnival MPVs, 40 Sorento CUVs and 20 Optima mid-size sedans, will ensure smooth and safe transportation for Australian Open 2017 by transporting players, officials and VIPs to and from matches and other activities throughout the year’s first Grand Slam tournament.

    Tennis superstar and Kia global brand ambassador Rafael Nadal joined the ceremony as he handed over the ceremonial key to fleet to Tennis Australia.

    Over the past 15 years, Kia’s courtesy fleet has clocked up close to five million kilometers in tens of thousands of journeys carrying champions and journeymen alike in comfort and safety.

    This year the Kia courtesy fleet will be continue that tradition, driven by more than 200 volunteer drivers who expect to clock up more than 400,000 kilometers in thousands of journeys shuttling players, officials, media and fans during Australian Open 2017.

    “The Australian Open is Kia’s longest running major sports sponsorship, and as a proud sponsor we’re delighted to be a driving force behind the growth of the tournament, not only by providing safe, stylish and comfortable transportation for players and participants, but also by engaging with tennis fans worldwide with various on & off-line campaigns to share the excitement we are about to witness over next few weeks,” said Bryan Cho, Vice President of the Overseas Marketing Group at Kia Motors Corporation.

  • 10,000 vehicles trapped as ban takes effect

    • Senate kicks against implementation

    Within 10 days of the enforcement of ban on importation of vehicles through land boarders by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), about 10,000 vehicles are already trapped at the borders.

    The NCS, in a  statement yesterday, said vehicles properly imported through the same route between January 2014 and December last year were 209,691 with N38,551,569,751.00 paid as duty.

    Meanwhile, the Senate yesterday resolved to ask the NCS to suspend further action on the policy.

    The resolution followed a motion by Senator Barau Jibrin (Kano North) and five others.

    Jibrin in his lead debate drew the attention of the Senate to the policy of the Federal Government to stop the importation of vehicles into the country through the nation’s land borders.

    He noted that it was reported that the ban would lead to the loss of about 500,000 jobs by the people engaged in the business of vehicles importation and handling services in the border areas and around the country.

    Jibrin said he believed that the economy of border villages and towns that depended on the activities of vehicles importation shall be adversely affected to the detriment of the country

    But the NCS, in a statement explained that it seized 5,998 smuggled vehicles within the  period with duty value of N10,271,734,415.36.

    The statement which was endorsed by Ag. Public Relations, Mr. Joseph Attah on behlaf of Customs Comptroller-General, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd), reads: “Curiously, Nigerians are being told that over 10,000 vehicles are already trapped 10 days into the enforcement of the policy when statistics shows vehicles properly imported through the land borders from January 2014 – 31 December 2016 was only 209,691 with N38,551,569,751.00 paid as duty. Smuggled vehicles seized within the same period was 5,998 with duty paid value of N10,271,734,415.36.”

  • ‘Why Fed Govt banned vehicles importation via land borders’

    ‘Why Fed Govt banned vehicles importation via land borders’

    The Federal Government banned the importation of vehicles through the land borders because it is losing over N250 billion yearly, in  duties and levies that would have been collected by the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), and other government agencies at the port, The Nation has learnt.

    A senior official of the Federal Ministry of Finance ( FMoF), who craved anonymity said the Service alone loses over N150 billion yearly to vehicle and importation of other items such rice through the land borders.

    No Customs command at the border stations  has collected N3billion revenue in a month, between the last three and four years, whereas, Customs at Tin-Can and Apapa, generate over N1billion daily at the ports inspite of the recession, the source said.

    The President, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents ( ANLCA) Prince Olayiwola Shittu also said the government took the step because the country may be  losing additional N800 million yearly as a result of high import duties on vehicles, as most of the terminals dedicated to handling car importation are almost idle.

    He however pointed out that the country is suffering economic losses because of obstacles that impede trade facilitation at the nation’s sea ports.

    Shittu identified extortion, poor port access roads, high port charges, impunity and violation of concession agreement as major problems that led to the importation of vehicles and other items through land borders.

  • One killed, 15 vehicles razed in Zaria tanker fire

    The Police in Kaduna State have confirmed the death of one person in a tanker fire in Zaria. The fire also razed a police station and 15 vehicles.

    The incident happened Saturday night at Danmagaji, when the driver lost control in an attempt to avoid a pothole.

    He crushed a motorcyclist. The ensuing fire razed the police station and vehicles.

    Commissioner of Police Agyole Abeh confirmed the figure to reporters after visiting the scene yesterday.

    “The incident is quite unfortunate but we have to give glory to God. The inferno would have consumed more lives, most especially as Danmagaji usually experiences heavy traffic, and people patronise this station well.

    “However, everything in the station is completely burnt, as you can see the structure, nothing is left besides the wall,” Abeh said.

    He solicited the intervention of the government, traditional and community leaders, in rebuilding the police station.

  • Osun, Orange Apple sign MoU on vehicles’ ownership

    The Osun State government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a private company, the Orange Apple Technology, on electronic proof and change of ownership for vehicles and motorcycles.

    Speaking at a one-day stakeholders’ meeting in Osogbo, the state capital,  with relevant agencies of government, the Head, Project and Administration, Orange Apple Technology, Mr. Babatunde Sobowale, said the newly introduced electronic document would boost the state income.

    He added that the electronic database was to ensure security of the vehicles and  allow the government to monitor the buying and selling of vehicles as well as discourage fake documentation.

    Sobowale explained that the benefits inherent in the innovation include provision of automated register for vehicle owners, elimination of document forgery as well as generation of employment opportunities.

  • Acting IG accuses Arase of taking away 24 police vehicles

    Acting IG accuses Arase of taking away 24 police vehicles

    •‘It’s not true, acting IG being vindictive’

    Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris has asked his predecessor Solomon Arase to return the excess number of police vehicles he took away on departure from office.

    He accused the former IG of taking away 24 vehicles including top of the range armoured BMW cars.

    Idris has written to Arase to return at least 20 vehicles, saying he should not have more than four cars as part of his severance package.

    He added that some of the retired Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), took away as many as eight vehicles.

    The acting IG has also launched a probe into irregular promotion in the police and the management of police investments.

    Speaking at the Force Headquarters in Abuja yesterday, Idris said: “A week before I was announced (appointed), if you looked through my office window, you could see so many cars. But the cars all disappeared when I came in. What I did was to assign a directive to the Special Investigative Unit (SFU) to investigate all vehicles’ purchases and donations to the police in the last three years as well as their positions.

    “When I took over, there were no vehicles. I discovered that the last IG went away with 24 vehicles including two BMWs. The DIGs some took seven, others eight. And they left me with an old vehicle. Even the one I followed the President with – the last time I went for an engagement – the President asked what I was doing with that kind of vehicle. The headlight has changed colour, which means it was parked for long under the rain.

    “But the new ones that were bought, including an Armoured BMW 7 series, he took them away. So, I wrote to him and reminded him that when a policeman retires as IG, DIG, AIG or CP, he is entitled to some vehicles. And so, he should take his entitlement and return the extra. I believe four vehicles are enough for an average person. What does one need 24 vehicles for?”

    Efforts to reach Arase failed last night but a source close to him said he could not have taken 24 vehicles. According to the source, the acting IG is only being vindictive having been queried by Arase for a wrong doing as an AIG.

    Idris further explained yesterday that he had concluded plans to investigate the irregularities in promotion saying due diligence will be done.

    Narrating his encounter with policemen during a visit to Maiduguri, Idris who said he could feel the pains of those who felt marginalised as a result of the irregular promotion, recalled that he spent five years as Commissioner of Police, while some of his juniors were promoted above him.

    “Before I travelled to Maiduguri, last week to be precise, I got a petition from the House of Representatives on Police promotion. Many police officers are not happy with the irregular promotion.

    “I said it in my inaugural speech that the police will be run as a democratic institution that is responsible, accountable and representative. That is the police that Nigerian people need.

    “Because we are supposed to be responsive for the yearnings of the people to be realized, the issue of promotion can dampen spirits. I know how it feels. I was CP for five years while some of my colleagues who became CP were made AIGs within two years. So, I know how it feels.

    “We have discussed it before I travelled. The new management will investigate the recent promotions. We will constitute a panel to see if the promotions were done in line with the Police Service Commission (PSC) rules.

    “This is a Constitutional issue. There is a policy and we need to find out if these promotions were done in accordance with laid down principles.”

    On allegations of contract inflation and corruption against the previous administration, Idris said audits into police investments are ongoing, adding that he would probe his predecessor if there was evidence of corruption against him.

    According to him, the findings of the ongoing audits of police investments and subsidiaries would also determine whether Arase’s regime will be probed.

    “This is because every policeman from the IG to the Constable contributes to these investments. These are people’s properties. So I will make those units transparent and accountable. I have to know if this money is utilised with some measure of morality and accountability. So, we will know what action to take based on the audit report.

    “On corruption, if there are complains, we will investigate. I have heard a lot of rumours but as a policeman, we work based on evidence. We will investigate when there is evidence, we will take action.”

    Idris also vowed to investigate allegations of extortion of policemen who stay in the barracks in the guise of accommodation fee. He insisted that living in any police barrack is free.

    Asked of his plans to contain armed violence across the country, Idris said his team was focusing on intelligence-based policing by strengthening community and neighbourhood alertness.

    He explained that his drive to ensure security, propelled the massive redeployment of policemen across the country, adding that most of those serving at their previous postings might have been compromised.

    “Very much is expected from us especially from the Rank and File. They believe in me because I have been training policemen for five years. They believe I will be able to change things and so I cannot disappoint them.

    “Their welfare is my priority. I believe each policeman should own an accommodation. It is good for the conventional policemen to mix up with the civilian populace. Only the special forces should stay in the barracks,” he said.

    The IGP restated his commitment to strengthen the Police Mobile Force, insisting that they will be withdrawn from VIPs to be the strike force that they are.

    He denied being responsible for the mass retirement of DIGS and AIGs, noting that it was not the first time such would take place after the appointment of a new IG.

  • Scores injured, vehicles vandalised in police, Ondo poly students clash

    •Protester attack TVC cameraman

    Scores of residents of Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State sustained injuries and 10 vehicles were vandalised yesterday, following a clash between the police and students of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO).

    Trouble started when two students were allegedly hit by a van belonging to the police.

    The students accused the police of abandoning the victims.

    This forced the students to embark on a protest to the Police Station B Division at Otapete.

    But they were dispersed by the police, who tear-gassed and shot sporadically into the air.

    It was gathered that a student was accidentally hit by a bullet

    The policemen’s action angered the students, who allegedly destroyed vehicles parked inside the station.

    They later blocked the Owo/Akure expressway, which is opposite their school, thereby causing a gridlock.

    Residents of Owo were not spared in the unrest as they were prevented from moving out of the town.

    Witnesses said students where seen burning tyres at the main gate of their school, Fasawe and White House areas, which is mainly occupied by them.

    Three hours later, the police later brought in an armour tank to clear the main road of Owo town, which was blocked by the rampaging students.

    Police spokesman Mr. Femi Joseph alleged that the students attacked the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), who “is in a critical condition”.

    Joseph said the students also attacked the police officers, who were on duty when they stormed the station.

    He added that the students vandalised parked vehicles inside the station despite the DPO calling for calm.

    “The police vehicle that hit the students was not deliberate done and it was a total lie that the driver abandoned the students because he immediately took the victims to a hospital and they are currently receiving treatment,” he said.

    The Vice President (Affairs) of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Mr. Timileyin Ayenuro, called for the removal of the DPO.

    He accused the DPO of fueling the crisis, saying what the students were expecting from them was an apology over the matter since they did not know the state of their colleagues.

    He called for the release of the arrested students and warned the police to stop harassing students.

    But the protesting students were alleged to have attacked the cameraman of TVC News, Tunde Lawal and vandalised his camera.

    Lawal, who was covering the protest, was attacked by one of the aggrieved students. The view finder of the camera was damaged.

    The TVC cameraman was rescued by NANS’ vice president.

    Ayenuro, who was at the scene of the incident, called the students to order.

  • Honda recalls 784,000 vehicles over faulty Takata air bags

    Honda recalls 784,000 vehicles over faulty Takata air bags

    Honda Motor Corporation said it was recalling around 784,000 vehicles in Japan, part of an expanded recall for potentially deadly Takata Corporation airbags.

    Honda said in Tokyo it was recalling models, including its Odyssey minivan, Fit subcompact model and Civic sedan with production dates ranging between 2003 and 2009 to replace passenger-side air bags.

    Facing ballooning recall costs and lawsuits over its faulty airbags, Takata is seeking financial backers.

    Private equity firm KKR & Co. and Chinese auto supplier Ningbo Joyson Electronic Corporation have expressed interest in investing.

    Automakers are ramping up recalls after the auto parts maker, under pressure from the United States (US) government, agreed last month to declare more of its airbags as defective in the U.S.

    Takata’s airbag inflators can explode with excessive force in hot, humid conditions, and have been linked to more than 100 injuries and 13 deaths, mainly in the U.S.

    More than 100 million vehicles have been recalled worldwide over faulty Takata airbags.

    Honda’s recall is part of a push by Japanese authorities to make sure that Takata air bags without a drying agent are off the road by March 2019.

    Separately, Nissan Motor Co recalled some 230,000 Note mini multi-purpose vehicles in Japan over a potential fault with its engine bracket mount.

  • Ajakaye to Buhari: reduce planes, vehicles

    Ajakaye to Buhari: reduce planes, vehicles

    The Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Rev Felix Ajakaye, has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to reduce the number of planes in the presidential air fleet and luxury vehicles in line with “the mood of the country”.

    The cleric said the President must lead by example and reduce waste in governance and plug loopholes.

    He added that the culture of waste is hurting Nigerians and the economy, hence the need to halt it and save the polity from collapse.

    Rev Ajakaye spoke at a service to mark the 50th World Communication Day at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Old Garage, Ado-Ekiti.

    In his homily entitled: “Communication and Mercy: A Fruitful Encounter”, the bishop reminded Buhari that his administration is in a race against time to fulfil electoral promises made in the run-up to the 2015 general elections.

    He emphasised that time has come for the President and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to deliver the practical change promised Nigerians and refrain from sloganeering.

    Rev Ajakaye called on the President to revisit the report of the 2014 National Conference and implement same. He also called for unity and reconciliation in the country.

    He said: “Tough times don’t last but tough people do, indeed, these are tough times in Nigeria however, we cannot continue to moan over our lost opportunities.

    “As individuals and people, we need to find concrete solutions to our series of problems and march on strongly.

    “I remind President Buhari of the need to lead by example by reducing the number of presidential planes (the media reports allege they are between 10 and 12) and fleet of luxury vehicles at Aso Rock, the seat of power. Let us begin to end the culture of waste.”

    Advising the President and his party to turn around the nation’s fortunes, the bishop said: “What we really need now is practical change, though it is an ongoing process, it involves all.  Practical change is a definitive departure from slogan to action.

    “Although corruption is endemic in the country, indiscipline is the root of nearly all the problems and crises in the country.

    “Once there is discipline in every sphere of life, there will be genuine patriotism and national consciousness.”

  • Marketers: 2.2 million vehicles hit Lagos for fuel

    No fewer than 2.2million vehicles came to Lagos in search of fuel, The Nation has learnt.

    According to the Executive Secretary, Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Obafemi Olawore, the figure would have been higher had the Federal Government not made efforts to halt the trend.

    He said the figure represents the number of vehicles that came from different states in search of fuel at a relatively cheaper price. He said motorists from other states decided to come to Lagos to buy fuel, following their inability to get the commodity at between N150 and N200 per litre from the black market.

    While stating marketers’ position on the lingering fuel scarcity during a meeting organised by the Products Petroleum Marketing Company (PPMC) to proffer solutions to the issue, Olawore said the number of vehicles that came to Lagos to buy fuel  increased by one million from 1.2million to 2.2million.

    He said: “Lagos officially has 1.2million vehicles on its roads.  However, the figure has increased greatly, due to influx of vehicles into Lagos from other states. Findings have shown that the number of vehicles that flowed into Lagos at the height of the ongoing fuel scarcity has increased to 2.2million. The reason is that fuel is normally scarce outside Lagos, so whenever problems occur in the supply/demand chain of the petroleum product, the only option left for fuel users, especially owners of vehicles is to come to Lagos to buy fuel.”

    Olawore said it is extremely difficult to ensure a steady supply of fuel in Lagos, despite efforts made by the government to solve the problem. He said Nigeria will achieve positive results in the area of fuel supply when one considers the huge volumes of fuel imported into the country by the Federal Government in recent times.

    In a related development, the Executive Director, Supply and Distribution, PPMC, Mr. Justin Ezeala, said arrangements are being made to remove major oil marketers from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) fuel importation programme, adding that such marketers would start importation of fuel into the country soon.

    He said marketers would bring cargoes of fuel into the country once they firm up arrangements with some international organisations that will supply them with foreign exchange for fuel importation.

    Lagos is noted for its huge vehicular traffic. Being the nation’s commercial nerve centre, Lagos is used to traffic as vehicles flowed into the city from different parts of the country. However, Lagos recorded an unprecedented vehicular traffic in the last three weeks, due to fuel scarcity.

    Though the government had taken delivery of seven cargoes of fuel last week end and also promised to import more fuel with a view to make the product available to users, the problem persists.