Jamaica’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Esmond Reid, said the country is planning to source for vehicles from Innoson Vehicle Factory (IVM) in Nigeria.
Mr. Reid, in the company of Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, stated this during a tour of the IVM factory facilities in Nnewi, Anambra State it’s saturday
He said, “For us, this is a great opportunity to witness the production of vehicles in Nigeria, one of our southern brothers.
“This is also a chance to be able to discuss commercial opportunities to source vehicles from Nigeria.
“This is my first visit. I will go and consult with the stakeholders at home to see the timeline and determine the negotiations and engagements and when we will start the vehicle sourcing business.
The high commissioner described the IVM plant as “top class”, promising to encourage Jamaicans to come and see for themselves.
“I congratulate the management of this company and thank the minister for making this visit for me. This could be a good start,” he said.
Commenting, Mr. Onyeama called for strict enforcement of the Executive President’s mandate for government officials to buy and use Nigeria.
“I am very proud. This plant is world class compared to some vehicle manufacturing companies I have seen in some other countries. Innoson is doing well.
“Left to me, every government official should be required to buy and use Nigerian made cars. There is a Presidential Executive Order that requires government officials to buy Nigerian cars.
“The order must be followed and enforced. In France, it is impossible to see French Government officials driving non-French cars, the same in Japan, Korea, England and the USA.
“We need to do the same here. This will encourage and support our citizens and demystify technology,” he said.
The minister said he facilitated his visit to IVM when the Jamaican High Commissioner asked to see the amazing things going on in Nigeria.
“We consider these Caribbean countries as brothers and we want to increase the level of trade and collaboration among ourselves,” he said.
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In his remarks, the Chairman of IVM, Innocent Chukwuma, appreciated the Federal Government for supporting manufacturing companies in the country.
Mr. Chukwuma called on Nigerians to always respect their products, ensuring quality and durable vehicles.
South East President, Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Honfery Nkeonadi, praised IVM for making Africans proud of their innovative products.
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