By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama has called for the strict enforcement of Presidential Executive Order, mandating government officials to buy and use locally manufactured vehicles and other products.
The Minister who made this known on Saturday during a facility tour with Jamaican High Commissioner to Nigeria, Esmond Reid to Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) plant in Nnewi, Anambra State said Nigeria considers Caribbean countries as important allies, seeking an increase in the level of trade and collaboration among the countries.
“I’m very proud. This plant is world class compared to some of the vehicles manufacturing companies I have seen in some other countries. Innoson is doing well.
“Left to me, every government official should be obliged to buy and use a Nigerian manufactured car. There is a Presidential Executive Order that requires government officials to buy Nigeria.
“That order has to be imposed and made mandatory. In France, it is impossible to see a French Government official driving a non-French car, same in Japan, Korea, UK and US.
“We have to do the same here. This will encourage and support our citizens and demystify technology,” the Minister said.
Reid in his remarks, said his country was planning to source for vehicles from Innoson Vehicles Manufacturing (IVM) in Nigeria, stating that it is a tremendous opportunity to witness vehicle manufacturing taking place in Nigeria.
He said, “It is also a chance to be able to discuss commercial opportunities for sourcing vehicles from Nigeria.
“This is my first visit. I will go and consult with my stakeholders back home to look at the timeline and determine the negotiations and engagements and when we will start the business of sourcing the vehicles”.
The high commissioner described IVM plant as “top class”, promising to encourage Jamaican citizens to come and see for themselves.
“I congratulate the management of this company and I’m very grateful to the minister for making this visit possible for me. This can become the start of something great,” he said.
Chairman of IVM, Innocent Chukwuma, appreciated Federal Government for supporting the manufacturing companies in the country.
Mr. Chukwuma urged Nigerians to always patronise his products, assuring them of quality and durable vehicles.
