As part of efforts to make Lagos state a vibrant city and a hub of automotive excellence, the Lagos State Government and a Chinese automobile company, CIG Motors are collaborating on the running a vehicle assembly plant, for the production of different classes of brand-new cars in the country.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who commissioned the jointly owned venture, said that the establishment of the fully equipped automobile assembly plant sited along WEMPCO Road in Ogba axis of Lagos was part of the bilateral agreements reached by the his administration and the Chinese Investors’ Community during a business trip to the Asian country sometime in November 2019.
The Governor who said even though the plant will assemble cars locally, the efficiency would meet international standards as the GAC vehicles to be produced were designed for comfort and easy maintenance, durable, and rugged to withstand the Nigerian roads and climate.
At the automobile assembly plant is sited along WEMPCO Road in Ogba axis of Lagos, 2,000 units of brand new GAC vehicles had been assembled
According to the Governor, the plant was built with production capacity to assemble 5,000 units of new vehicles every year which will in turn be a source of employment, contributing to the economic strength of the state.
He said his administration will continue to synergize with local and international development partners in order to open up the state to more investments that will foster job creation, skill development, wealth creation, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
He said: “The opening of this Vehicle Assembly Plant is a glowing emblem of our State’s openness to investments. The milestone is not merely a numeric achievement; it’s an epitome of multi-sectorial progress that stands to benefit Lagosians.
“This initiative is nothing short of visionary. Through increased economic activity, supply chain development and ancillary businesses, wealth is being created and evenly distributed among our people. This synergy will not only provide affordable and quality transportation for Lagosians but also will open up a plethora of entrepreneurial opportunities for many.”
Sanwo-Olu said the Completely Knocked Down (CKD) factory, which spans 35,000 square metres, would crash the cost of brand new GAC vehicles in local markets as well as reduce dependence on second-hand vehicles imported from overseas.
He promised more commitment to the growth of the automobile sector through business-friendly regulations, provision of infrastructure and investments in the area of quality technical education