By Our Reporter
Nigeria’s foremost indigenous automaker, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM), is set to commence a youth training initiative and establish a vehicle assembly plant in Cross River State, in a strategic move to deepen industrialization and local capacity building.
This development followed a recent courtesy visit by the Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Local Content, Awatt Caleb, to the Chairman of Innoson Group, Dr. Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma, at his Nnewi residence in Anambra State.
Speaking during a follow-up media briefing at the Ernest Bassey Press Centre in Calabar on Monday, Caleb disclosed that the partnership aims to advance youth empowerment, automobile production, tyre manufacturing, and agro-industrial development in line with Governor Otu’s “People First” agenda.
“The governor is my friend. I’m ready to extend Innoson’s operations to Cross River. Let’s begin by training your youths and setting up production in Tinapa,” Dr. Chukwuma was quoted as saying during the meeting.
According to Caleb, Innoson also unveiled plans to introduce Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles and electric cars in the state, while exploring the development of a rubber-to-tyre value chain. To this end, the company has requested data on Cross River’s rubber output for potential export and local processing.
He added that the state government is prioritizing real investments to generate employment and stimulate industrial growth, noting that the Innoson partnership marks a significant step toward achieving that goal.
“As a state, we are moving from rhetoric to action. This partnership opens a new chapter for Cross River’s local content and industrial transformation,” he said.
In a bid to boost mobility and support micro-enterprises, especially within the transportation sector, Caleb revealed that Innoson has pledged to offer subsidized vehicle pricing for Cross River indigenes.
The state delegation, which included a retired army officer, Col. Akiba (rtd), was taken on a guided tour of Innoson’s expansive manufacturing facilities, where diesel, electric, and CNG-powered vehicles are produced.
A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Cross River State Government and Innoson is expected to be signed in the coming weeks.
Caleb also announced plans for a Cross River Local Content Summit, aimed at attracting professionals and investors in the diaspora to contribute to the state’s economic development.
He assured that the selection of youths for the Innoson training program will be strictly based on merit and competence, not political affiliations.
