By Theodore Opara

Nord Automobiles Ltd, Nigeria’s premier automaker, has completed the supply of some Nord compressed natural gas-powered, CNG, buses and pickups to the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS.

The vehicles comprise 11 Nord Flit buses and eight Nord Tusk pickups.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nord Automobiles, Mr Oluwatobi Ajayi, who disclosed this to journalists in his office in Lagos on Tuesday, said that the supply is in alignment with the CNG initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The initiative is aimed at providing Nigerians with cheaper and cleaner sources of energy to move goods, services, and people in different parts of the country.

Commending the federal government’s initiative to encourage the use of CNG technology, Ajayi said: “President Tinubu’s administration’s decision to encourage the use of CNG technology is a forward-thinking and strategic decision.

“It addresses the effect of the removal of subsidy on premium motor spirit, PMS, and highlights his drive for environmental stability.”

According to him, by promoting CNG technology, his administration is taking a handsome approach to reducing Nigeria’s dependence on expensive and polluting fossil fuels while also supporting local energy production.

He noted that the policy is expected to make transportation more affordable for Nigerians, reduce environmental pollution, and stimulate economic growth by promoting a new industry centred on CNG infrastructure and technology.

CNG advantages

Outlining the numerous advantages of CNG technology over other sources of fuel, the Nord boss said: “CNG is more affordable than petrol and diesel, leading to significant cost savings by vehicle owners and transporters.”

Continuing, he said: “CNG is cleaner than other fuels, releasing less pollutants and harmful gases to the environment.

“This helps reduce the vehicle’s carbon footprint and contributes to improved air quality. Engine longevity is also enhanced as CNG burns more cleaner, resulting in less wear and tear on the engine, potentially increasing its lifespan and reducing carbon buildup and maintenance costs.”

He further noted that CNG is sourced domestically, reducing the nation’s dependence on imported fuel/ oil, and thereby enhancing energy security.

According to him, “Nigeria is a gas nation with drops of oil, and we have to harness our gas to meet our energy needs. In addition, CNG is less combustible than petrol and diesel, making it a safer option in case of leaks.”

CNG vehicles demand

Meanwhile, the Nord Chairman/ CEO said that the company is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for CNG vehicles for both passengers and commercial work.

“We have the technical expertise and manufacturing capacity to produce CNG-powered vehicles that are reliable, efficient, and can meet the need of Nigerians.

“Our vehicles are assembled with a significant proportion of locally sourced components, ensuring they are both affordable and are the best for local conditions. Additionally, our extensive after-sales network across the country ensures that customers have access to the best in class support and after-sales service”.

Nord, he also said, can assemble large commercial buses and trucks.

“We have supplied big commercial buses to Ogun state government and high-duty trucks to mining and construction companies.

“Our assembly plants are equipped to handle the manufacturing of various types of vehicles, including large commercial buses and heavy-duty trucks. We use high-quality components sourced globally and leverage our local expertise to ensure that our vehicles meet international standards of durability, performance and reliability.

“Nord vehicles are designed to meet the demanding operational requirements of Nigeria’s diverse transportation and mobility sector,” he said.

About Nord Flit CNG bus and Nord Tusk pickup

Nord, one of the leading indigenous vehicle manufacturers and a pioneer of CNG technology in automobiles, brought a lot into the Flit bus and Tusk pickup.

Nord Flit CNG bus is a 15-seater minibus powered by CNG and petrol engine (hybrid), delivering 102/4600-500 kw/rpm. It is unarguably one of the most powerful buses in its category with an array of amenities.

It is equipped with a five-speed manual transmission. Its brake system is disc/drum, ABS +EBD, initiative vacuum booster, while the suspension is double wishbone independent in front and variable rate leaf spring at the rear.

The bus comes with an array of features such as power drivers and co-driver windows, double airbags, rear reverse radar, a first and last row with two sliding windows each.

Others are an anti-glare inner rear view mirror, air-conditioning system, and radio with USB interface, among others.

The Nord Tusk pickup is a unique pickup powdered by a 2.7-liter CNG and petrol engine. Known in its class as the king of pickups, Nord Tusk delivers 247 brakehorse power with its 4WD technology.

Its other features include a reverse camera, multi-function steering wheel, leather seats, rear folding seat, four-door power windows, folding remote control key, remote central control lock, electronic accelerator pedal, and hydraulic power steering, among many other features.

The cabin of the Tusk is very spacious, offering comfortable seating for all occupants with plenty of legroom.