Kojo Motors Limited, one of Toyota Nigeria Limited’s accredited dealers, says arrangements have been concluded to introduce a vehicle leasing scheme for members of the Public Transport Owners of Nigeria Association (PTONA).

The chairman/chief executive officer of the company, Ikenna Oguegbu, disclosed this on Friday in Lagos.

According to him, the move is to improve public transportation and make modern commercial vehicles more accessible to transport operators.

“The initiative is aimed at enabling transport operators to acquire brand-new Toyota commercial vehicles through flexible financing arrangements, ultimately enhancing safety, reliability and comfort, for millions of Nigerian commuters.

“The announcement was one of the highlights of an annual general meeting, where Kojo Motors reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s transport sector with sustainable mobility solutions.

“The company also donated N300,000 to PTONA in support of the association’s activities and ongoing reforms,” he said.

Mr Oguegbu described transportation as the lifeblood of the nation’s economy, stressing that operators required innovative financing options to renew their fleets without being weighed down by huge upfront costs.

“Kojo Motors believes that every transport operator should have the opportunity to own and operate modern, dependable Toyota commercial vehicles without the burden of immediate capital outlay.

“Our planned leasing scheme with PTONA is designed to bridge that gap, empower operators, improve service delivery and most importantly, provide Nigerian commuters with safer, more comfortable and more reliable transportation.

“We are proud to partner with PTONA in driving this transformation,” he said.

Mr Oguegbu noted that the proposed leasing programme aligned with Kojo Motors’ vision of expanding access to quality mobility solutions while contributing to economic growth and job creation.

He quoted the national sales manager of Kojo Motors, Chino Ogwumike, as saying that Toyota commercial vehicles had earned a reputation for durability, low operating costs and high resale value, making them ideal for Nigeria’s demanding transport environment.

“This initiative goes beyond selling vehicles; it is about creating a sustainable transport ecosystem.

“Through structured leasing arrangements, PTONA members will be able to operate genuine Toyota commercial vehicles backed by professional after-sales support, readily available spare parts and expert maintenance services,” he said.

The PTONA acting president, Uwemedimo Udo Essen, welcomed the proposal, describing it as a timely intervention capable of transforming the fortunes of transport operators across the country.

“This partnership proposal from Kojo Motors represents the kind of private-sector collaboration that PTONA has been advocating.

“Access to affordable vehicle leasing will enable our members to modernise their fleets, improve operational efficiency and offer better services to commuters.

“We sincerely appreciate Kojo Motors for this visionary initiative and for the generous donation of N300,000 toward the activities of our association,” he said.

He assured members that PTONA would work closely with Kojo Motors to develop a framework that would make the leasing programme accessible, transparent and beneficial to operators nationwide. 

(NAN)