The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), have toured the Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) plant in Nnewi, Anambra State, showing interest in the company’s vehicles for export.
The visitors 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.
They were to explore opportunities for enhanced collaboration between the Government, regulatory bodies and Local Automotive manufacturers to drive industrial growth and job creation.
The visit was also to conduct a first-hand assessment of the IVM capabilities, local content initiative and technological advancements.
Read also: Ebonyi LG partners Innoson to establish high-tech auto diagnostic centre
Other objectives were 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.
Kabore Lassane, a delegate from the ECOWAS Commission, emphasised the need for regional integration and market access in the automotive sector.
He said that one of the ECOWAS’ industrial development initiatives is targeted at policy framework for a greater impact on the automotive value chain in the region.
Lassane lauded Innocent Chukwuma, IVM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, for all he had been able to achieve in the automobile industry, pledging the support of the ECOWAS for a greater achievement.
Joseph Osanipin, Director-General of the NADDC 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 components and emission testing centres in Zaria, Lagos, and Enugu.
Read also: Nord Motors, UNILAG sign agreement to build Africa’s first on-campus auto plant
“We recognise 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 the incentives were 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 states the Ministry’s mandate for industrial growth, local content, and support for the automotive sector.
He noted that 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.
Read also: Swap your Escalade for Innoson, Nord if you believe in ‘Nigeria First’, Atiku challenges Tinubu
“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.
Responding, Chukwuma reassured his commitment in the automotive industry to a very great extent, saying that he had travelled 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.
