Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM), Nigeria's leading indigenous automaker, has secured the backing of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for its regional export drive.
A high-level delegation from the three institutions visited the IVM plant in Nnewi, Anambra State, to assess its production capacity, local content strategy, and technological advancements. The visit also explored ways to strengthen collaboration with local manufacturers to boost industrial growth, job creation, and Nigeria's contribution to the regional automotive value chain.
ECOWAS commissioner Dr Kabore Lassane emphasized the bloc's commitment to market integration and pledged support for policies that will expand regional access for Nigerian-made vehicles.
The Director-General of the NADDC, Joseph Osanipin, noted that the agency had established component and emission testing centres in Zaria, Lagos, and Enugu to uphold global standards. He added that incentives were being designed to reduce costs for manufacturers and encourage greater local content adoption.
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"Innoson Motors stands as a shining example of what is possible when vision, innovation, and supportive policy align," Osanipin said.
Representing FMITI, Muhammad Bala praised IVM founder Innocent Chukwuma for his pioneering role in advancing Nigeria's industrialization. He said the government would continue to support enterprises committed to deepening local content and building robust manufacturing capacity.
In his response, Dr Chukwuma reaffirmed IVM's dedication to transforming Africa's automotive industry, stressing that many African governments are keen to invest once they identify strong local partners.
"Africa needs Africans to develop this continent. We're committed to playing that role," he said.
The visit concluded with a tour of IVM's factory, highlighting its operations, product portfolio, expansion plans, and ongoing challenges in the local and regional market.
