TheCable

The Lagos state government has signed a partnership agreement with CIG Motors Company Limited for the take-off of Lagos Ride, a new e-hailing taxi scheme, with pilot fleet of 1,000 units of brand new sport utility vehicles (SUVs).

The signing and flag-off ceremony was held on Thursday at the Lagos state house in Marina.

Speaking during the ceremony, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, said the new ride-hailing taxi scheme will redefine road transportation in the state, and is expected to create jobs and economic opportunities for residents.

He said the scheme, which is expected to fully take-off in the next six months, has been structured along a profitability model and designed to be self-sustaining for expansion and growth.

“I am elated to unveil the Lagos state taxi scheme, which is another innovative policy of this administration targeted at making life easier for Lagosians, improving mobility and creating a seamless multi-modal transportation system,” he said.

“We are guided by the need for an equitable transportation system with mobility choices for our people.”

Also at the ceremony, the governor sealed a joint venture agreement with the automobile company for the establishment of vehicle assembly plant in the state.

Sanwo-Olu said the vehicle assembly plant would revive industrialisation; drive up skilled youth employment; create wealth; boost tourism; and encourage technology sharing, adaptation, and advancement.

“As we formally sign the joint venture agreement for the establishment of motor assembly plant, Lagosians should expect a roll-out of vehicles from this plant within the next 18 months,” he said.

“I urge other stakeholders and private investors to collaborate with us to sustain the scheme. We have the political and administrative will to ensure business survives in Lagos.”

The two investment agreements will be driven by Ibile Holdings Limited, a state-owned corporation, on behalf of the Lagos state government.

Diana Chen, chairman of CIG Motors, pledged the full commitment of the automobile firm to the agreement.

Chen also said the CIG Motors would sponsor 50 students for a two-year engineering training in a vocational school in China to strengthen its partnership with the state government.

“My teams are ready to work with 100 percent effort to build GAC Motors in Nigeria in the highest level of a brand. This international joint venture project will soon bloom up in the Chinese business communities both in Nigeria and China,” she said.

“I assure you that, we will use this partnership as a best example to introduce and promote a Greater Lagos where greater opportunities abound.”

Frederic Oladehinde, Lagos commissioner for transportation, said the assembly plant and taxi scheme would boost socio-economic activities and support the development of ancillary enterprises in transportation sector.