From David Onwuchekwa
Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) plant in Nnewi, Anambra State, on Wednesday hosted a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission.
The visit was to conduct a first-hand assessment of the IVM capabilities, local content initiative and technological advancements. The delegation came to explore opportunities for enhanced collaboration between the government, regulatory bodies, and local automotive manufacturers to drive industrial growth and job creation.
Other objectives were also to identify specific policy interventions and support mechanisms required to accelerate the automotive sector’s contribution to national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and import substitution.
The visitors also told the IVM management that they came to discuss strategies for positioning Nigerian-made vehicles for regional export within the ECOWAS bloc and broader African markets.
A delegate from the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Kabore Lassane emphasized the need for regional integration and market access in the automotive sector.
He said that one of the ECOWAS’ industrial development initiatives was targeted at a policy framework for a greater impact on the automotive value chain in the region.
Dr Lassane lauded the IVM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Innocent Chukwuma, for all he has achieved in the automobile industry and pledged the support of the ECOWAS for a greater achievement.
The Director-General of the NADDC, Mr Joseph Osanipin, in his presentation outlined the agency’s role in policy implementation, standards, skill development, and initiatives for local manufacturing.
He said the agency ensures that a favourable environment exists for local production, adding that the organization is committed to upholding global standards.
“We ensure that the vehicles manufactured in Nigeria are not only safe and reliable but also competitive on a regional and international scale. The NADDC has built three component and emission testing centers in Zaria, Lagos, and Enugu.
“We recognize that a skilled workforce is the engine of progress. Our skill development programme, in collaboration with technical institutions and industry partners, are designed to build a pipeline of talent, “he said.
He assured that the NADDC would provide strategic incentives for local manufacturing. He said these incentives are designed to attract investment, encourage the use of local content, and reduce the cost of production for the manufacturers.
“Innoson Motors stands as a shining example of what is possible when vision, innovation, and supportive policy align. Your commitment to local content and technical advancement is an inspiration to us all.
“NADDC is proud to partner with you and other local manufacturers to build a robust and resilient automotive value chain, “the NADDC boss said.
Muhammad Bala of the FMITI discussed the Ministry’s mandate for industrial growth, local content, and support for the automotive sector.
He noted that Dr Chukwuma’s pioneering spirit and incredible vision were commendable.
“The Nigerian government recognizes and deeply appreciates your significant and unwavering commitment to industrialization in Nigeria and economic growth within the automotive sector.
“Yours is a shining example of what Nigerian enterprise, driven by determination and innovation can accomplish.
“You are proudly building new narratives for our nation, one rooted in resilience and spirit of self-reliance. Innoson’s dedication to deepening local content, moving beyond mere assembly to the sophisticated full-fledged manufacturing components is a powerful and inspiring indicator of our national aspiration to truly industrialize and localize our supply chain, “ he noted.
In his response, Dr Chukwuma reassured his commitment in the automotive industry to a very great extent.
He said he had traveled to so many African countries to discover that Africans and African governments are very much interested to invest in the automotive industry, if they see the right company to partner with.
“Africa needs Africans to develop this continent. So, anybody who initiated this idea of regional integration in the automotive sector is a true son of Africa. We’re so much interested to work with you,” he added.
The event began with a factory tour, overview of IVM’s operations, achievements, products portfolio, local content strategy, expansion plans and challenges.
Leave a comment