Lagos, CIG Motors launch 1,000 SUVs as taxi for Lagosians

Lagos State Government (LASG) in partnership with Choice International Group (CIG) Motors Co. Ltd. launched 1,000 Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV) as taxis for Lagosians on Thursday.

The occasion which held at the Lagos House, Marina likewise included the Signing of Agreement for the launching of Motor Assembly Plant in Lagos State.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu spoke at the occasion. He disclosed that the Lagos State Taxi Scheme was another inventive policy of his government, directed at making life simpler for Lagosians, improving mobility and creating a smooth multi-modal transportation system.

He stated that the project would create jobs, quicken socio-economic growth, and further put the state on the international map as the centre of excellence and a modern megacity dedicated to sustainable development.

Sanwo-Olu said that a key feature of a modern megacity was a world-class transportation system with inter-connected services and mobility choices for the people.

Governor Sanwo-Olu in one of the motors

The Governor declared that the task of donating a safe, effective, swift, and modern public transportation system is a main drive of the administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S. Agenda.

He said, “We are guided by the need for an equitable transportation system with mobility choices for our people. The Taxi Scheme, to be known as “Lagos Ride”, which is being commissioned today is in fulfillment of our desire to give Lagosians transportation choices.

“It is one of the Lagos State Government’s socio-economic intervention programmes- a modern ride-hailing service that will be professionally managed in line with global best practices.

“Under the Lagos State Taxi Service, drivers/operators will be given the cars for a period of four years during which they pay a monthly installment and they will have the opportunity of owning the cars, after they have fully paid the hire amount.

“The Lagos State Taxi Service is structured along a profitability model, it is self-sustaining and able to expand and regenerate itself.”

The Governor further said that the Lagos State Taxi Service symbolised everything Lagos State stood for; as it was a sustainable means of promoting the Lagos Brand.

Sanwo-Olu advised the drivers and operators to be of good behaviour; because it was their opportunity to promote Lagos State as an opportunity place with a level playing ground for each and every individual who was prepared to work hard to achieve their dreams.

He declared that that the launching of the Motor Assembly Plant was expected to restore industrialisation, increase the employment of the citizens and wealth creation, boost tourism, and boost technology sharing, adaptation, and progression.

The Governor said, “As we commission the taxis and sign the Joint Venture Agreement for the establishment of the Motor Assembly Plant, Lagosians should expect a roll-out of vehicles from this plant within the next 12 to 18 months.

“I urge the beneficiaries of the Lagos State Taxi Service to collaborate with us to sustain the Scheme. We have the political and administrative will to ensure the Taxi Scheme survives.

“I am hopeful that the operators will cooperate with the Lagos State Government to render excellent service to the people.”

Diana Chen, the Group Chairman, CIG Motors, stated that the Assembly Plant and the Lagos Taxi Scheme were among Governor Sanwo-Olu’s China Trip output and delivery.

Chen said, “Today, we are also very glad to announce “Lagos Ride”, a Lagos taxi scheme.

“At the time when 1,000 units of branded beautiful GS3, GAC SUVs with high-tech technology arrive and run across Lagos streets and roads, also 1,000 well trained drivers will carry our happy customers that work and live in Lagos, at that time we will celebrate this exciting moment again.”