In a bold move to promote sustainability and accelerate the adoption of eco-friendly technology, CIG Motors Group has entered a strategic partnership with the IITA–CGIAR to advance green mobility and environmental conservation in Nigeria.
The collaboration, which aligns with IITA’s Green Initiative, underscores the shared commitment of both institutions to reducing carbon emissions and fostering innovation in sustainable energy use.
At a ceremony held at the IITA Headquarters, CIG Motors officially donated a Wuling Bingo Electric Vehicle (EV) to IITA—marking a significant milestone in the Institute’s transition toward cleaner operations and its journey to achieve carbon neutrality.
In his remarks, Dr Siméon Ehui, IITA Director General and CGIAR Regional Director for Africa, commended CIG Motors for its vision and contribution to sustainability.
“As a leading research partnership that facilitates agricultural solutions to hunger, poverty, and natural resource degradation throughout sub-Saharan Africa, IITA is equally committed to promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility,” Dr Ehui stated.
“I am happy that this partnership has become a reality. On behalf of the IITA staff and friends, I would like to thank CIG Motors for allowing us to test and experience this electric vehicle. This innovation helps us reduce fuel consumption and demonstrates that cleaner energy options are not only better for the environment but also more cost-effective.”
He expressed optimism that the collaboration would strengthen IITA’s commitment to innovation, responsible energy use, and long-term environmental goals.
“CIG Motors can continue to work closely with our teams—we will support you in every way that aligns with the objectives of IITA, our stakeholders, and our Board,” he added. “In two years, IITA will celebrate its 60th anniversary, and part of what has kept us strong is leadership committed to good governance, innovation, and environmental responsibility. This partnership reflects exactly that spirit.”
Speaking at the event, Jubril Arogundade, Executive Director of CIG Motors, said the decision to partner with IITA was deliberate, citing the Institute’s long-standing reputation as one of the most sustainable green communities in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.
“I am thrilled to be at IITA today,” he said. “The reason why CIG Motors Group carefully selected IITA for this sustainability partnership is because of its exemplary history. IITA is one of the most sustainable and green communities in the region, and we believe that our mission as a company—to move the conversation of mobility toward sustainability—requires a strategic partner like IITA.”
Arogundade added that the partnership represents CIG Motors’ effort to prove that the shift to green mobility is achievable and practical.
“What we have done today is to demonstrate that moving to green mobility is possible,” he explained. “We are excited that IITA will now begin using the Wuling Bingo Electric Vehicle as part of its mobility system. This partnership advances our company’s initiative to promote cleaner and greener energy in Nigeria and across Africa. We are grateful to IITA for sharing this vision and for the opportunity to collaborate.”
Also speaking, Manyo Pan, General Manager of Operations at CIG Motors, shared her personal admiration for IITA’s environment and expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration.
“It is a great pleasure to partner with IITA,” she said. “For more than ten years, I have travelled here for holidays and have always enjoyed the peaceful, green, and natural surroundings. IITA’s commitment to sustainability makes it the perfect partner for our mission to promote responsible corporate citizenship and greener technologies.”
In his contribution, Farouk Kozah, Head of IITA Facilities Management Services (FMS), described the partnership as a new chapter in the Institute’s sustainability journey.
“This partnership lays the groundwork for our broader plan within the Facilities Management Services (FMS) Department to gradually transition the IITA vehicle fleet to hybrid and electric models,” Kozah noted.
“It reinforces our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental responsibility across all operations. It is also a practical demonstration of IITA’s green policy in action and a testament to how partnerships can accelerate sustainability goals.”
The event concluded with the symbolic handover of the Wuling Bingo Electric Vehicle to IITA’s management team, followed by a demonstration of its features and performance.
Contributed by Dada Bamise
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