By Chukwudi Enekwechi
Unlike some people who ventilate negative feelings against President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in the media, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, Chairman/ CEO of INNOSON GROUP, strongly believes that this government is well-intentioned and poised to change things for the better. As one of Nigeria’s leading industrialists and pioneer auto- mobile manufacturer, his businesses are striving for excellence within the framework of the Federal Government’s diversification and industrialisation policy.
The Federal Government recognises the Innoson Group as a major player, not only in the automobile sector, but in the overall national economy. Vice President Yemi Osibanjo led a Federal Government delegation to visit the company’s factory at Nnewi, Anambra State, sometime in 2015. Since then, the government has continued to provide all necessary incentives aimed at supporting the organisation and other industrialists that are committed to succeeding in the nation’s industrial firmament.
Innoson has remained a catalyst for the speedy industrial development of Nigeria, especially in automobile manufacturing, having started local manufacturing of various types of vehicles. It is on record that it was based on its initial bold move that other local vehicle manufacturing plants sprang up, and Nigeria emerged as an automobile manufacturing country.
Therefore, going by the synergy already existing between Innoson and the Federal Government, it is futile to assume or impute that the company is at loggerheads with or even opposing the President Muhammadu Buhari administration. Rather than harbouring any sort of ill feelings, the Innoson Group is determined to lend its support to help the administration deliver democracy dividends to all Nigerians.
As a responsible corporate entity, the company has a major role to play in ensuring that the Buhari administration succeeds. It is gratifying that it is upholding this responsibility. Indeed, it is famous for applauding government’s attempts to revitalise the nation’s economy.
President Buhari’s policy thrusts are mainly focused on diversification, which makes supporting industries like Innoson imperative; promoting agriculture; restoring security and fighting corruption. In all these areas, the administration has given a good account of itself. Going forward, the INNOSON Group can partner with the administration on job creation, technology transfer and skills acquisition. This era in the nation’s history requires the collaborative efforts and involvement of all stakeholders, especially employers of labour like Innoson which boasts of over 5000 staff strength.
Government has repeatedly said that the cooperation of the private sector is key towards actualising its various empowerment and job creation programmes. For example, the Federal Government policy of patronising locally made vehicles, like the wholly-indigenous Innoson vehicles, will greatly help to bridge the unemployment gap among young Nigerian graduates.
By partnering with indigenous automobile manufacturers, the Federal Government will be able to implement some of its initiatives under the social investment programme. For example, beneficiaries of the skills acquisition scheme will have an opportunity to have practical knowledge at the Innoson Kiara Academy and Innoson Vehicles Manufacturing Plant at Nnewi, Anambra State.
It is, indeed, laudable that Buhari’s administration has the wisdom and courage to implement the policy of patronising locally made goods as this will enhance manufacturers’ capacity to improve on the quality of their goods and further stimulate the economy.
For the first time in Nigeria’s recent history, we have an administration that is focused on rejuvenating the local economy by supporting home-based industries like Innoson. While some people may consider such policy protectionist in nature, it serves the useful purpose of keeping jobs at home and widening the scope for the realization of Made in Nigeria products.
On this score, Innoson can be regarded as a reliable Federal Government partner as it has demonstrated the tenacity, reliability and durability of its vehicles, which have never been called to question.
Therefore, having attained this towering height as the first indigenous automobile manufacturer, it is expected that the various Federal Government agencies, ministries and departments will key into the vision of Buhari’s administration by patronising locally made vehicles. In fact, it can be considered economic sabotage for any MDA to fail in this direction as it will amount to frittering away scarce foreign currencies and outsourcing needed jobs to foreigners.
Finally, the questioning of Innoson is support to the Buhari administration is uncalled for as both of them are working in harmony for the benefit of all Nigerians.
Enekwechi writes from Abuja