The Cross River State Government has expressed willingness to collaborate with an indigenous automobile manufacturers, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing firm to train the youths and establish an assembly plant in the state.
Special Adviser to Cross River State governor on Local Content, Awatt Caleb made this known in Calabar, the Cross River State capital on Monday during an interactive session with journalists.
Caleb revealed that the Chairman of Innoson Group, Dr. Innocent Chukwuma, expressed his firm’s readiness to set up an auto plant in Cross River and to train youths who can work in the firm.
He disclosed this as the outcome of a recent visit to the residence of chairman of Innoson Motors in Nnewi, Anambra State.
Governor Bassey Otu’s aide stated that Chukwuma also expressed willingness to partner the Cross River State Government on youth training, automobile production, tyre manufacturing, and agro-industrial development.
Similarly, he stressed that the state government was willing to give opportunity to Innoson Motors to extend their tentacles to the state.
The Special Adviser added that the Otu-led administration was willing to lend a parcel of land at the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort to Innoson Motors to set their production plant.
Caleb stated that the automaker also has plans to introduce Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles, electric cars, and a rubber-to-tyre value chain in the state.
“Innoson has already requested data on rubber output from Cross River for both export and local processing,” he said.
“The deal aligns with Governor Otu’s “People First” agenda, it’s a moment which will move us from policy rhetoric to practical action, attracting investments that will generate employment, and above all drive industrialisation.
“As a state, we’re moving from rhetoric to action. This partnership with Innoson will open a new chapter for Cross River’s local content drive,” he added.
He further disclosed that Innoson has pledged to subsidise vehicle prices for Cross River indigenes, especially transport operators, to ease access and support micro-enterprise.
Caleb assured that selection of youths to work on the auto plan have nothing to do with political affiliations, but merit.
A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state and Innoson is expected to be signed soon.
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