The Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), has launched a total of 50 Peugeot 406 cars for airport car hire.

This is aimed at ensuring safety and security of individuals, and making Nigeria a better place and consequently a preferred tourist destination in Africa. Thus, it plans to increase the number by 150 to bring the taxis to a total of 200 by next year with collaboration from First Bank Nigeria Plc, which is the financier of the project.

This was disclosed by the Director General of NTDC, Otunba 'Segun Runsewe, at the commissioning of the taxis at the domestic wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, at the weekend.

The DG explaining further, said the move was as a result of the importance of the Airports Car Hire Association of Nigeria (ACHAN), which he said could make or mar the image of the country as the safety and security of people and tourists coming and leaving the country depends on them.

He said drivers are important and the image of the country is to an extent in their hands, urging that they add more value to attract people and tourists into the country.

His words: "The association is the most important association anywhere in the world. They can make or mar the country. They are the first point of contact for any visitor coming into the country".

Due to this, he said NTDC would continue to support the association in all its efforts to make Nigeria a better place.

Runsewe who hinted that the cars will be used for programmes such as the junior world cup explained further that "the cars will portray Nigeria in a better light, saying Nigeria is now ready for business and tourism.

Towards this, he said NTDC will provide publications in each of the cars as well as being responsible for their first servicing.

He revealed that the corporation would support the cause of the taxis, provide two brand new pumping machines that will be connected to the battery top of the cars to inflate and give them the right gauge, while one censor machine will further be donated to check the car and ascertain its fault if any before a mechanic fixes it.

The DG also commended Peugeot and Kaura Motors for making a statement in service delivery of the cars with emphasis on Kaura Motors as it is an indigenous company owned by Nigeria.