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In what has been described as an expression of confidence in locally-assembled vehicles, the Imo State Government has, again, boosted the operations of its security outfit, Operation Search & Flush, with another batch of 100 units of Innoson patrol vehicles produced at the Nnewi assembly plant of the Nigerian indigenous automaker.
The Imo State Government has again demonstrated its sustained preference for locally-assembled Innoson vehicles as it has taken delivery of yet another batch of 100 units of security patrol vehicles from the Nnewi-based Nigerian automaker.
The recent acquisition is coming barely a year after an initial 100 units were acquired from Innoson to kick-start the state’s security outfit, Operation Search & Flush, in March 2020.
Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodinma, Oguwike Nwachukwu, said the continued patronage of the brand by the state government is an indication that Innoson vehicles usually serve the purposes for which they are procured, and and are doing so satisfactorily.
Unveiling the new batch of the security patrol vehicles at a ceremony in Owerri, the state capital, Wednesday, 5 May, Governor Uzodimma charged the state’s anti-crime/banditry outfit, Operation Search and Flush, to go after the ” bandits, hoodlums and trigger-happy criminals” in the state, saying ” their time is up in Imo State.”
The new delivery include some units of the well equipped, and highly acclaimed IVM G12 special purpose vehicle already popular with the military; as well as the IVM (troops) Carrier usually at its best during off-road duties, used by many security outfits and can be spotted in the convoys of some government officials at various levels.
Nwachukwu disclosed that apart from IVM G12 and IVM Carrier purchased to fight insecurity, government officials in the state have been using passenger vehicles wearing the Innoson nameplate, saying “Gov. Hope Uzodinma believes in patronising products with local content and supporting local manufacturers. The patronage of Innoson vehicles is also in line with the Federal Government’s policy of buying products manufactured in Nigeria. “
He added: “Moreover, we are buying Innoson because we are getting satisfaction from the vehicles. And if we are getting satisfaction, why go for imported vehicles?” even as he maintained that the vehicles in the convoy of the governor travel from Owerri to different parts of the country, and back, without hitches.
Confirming the ruggedness and suitability of its vehicles to local conditions, Innoson, in an affirmation statement on the IVM Carrier pick-up supplied to the Imo State Government, says: “We designed the vehicle specifically for the African road. It comes with an innovative chassis, front double cross beam independent suspension and rear leaf spring dependent suspension, and socket shock absorber, which reduces bumping on the road effectively and enhances smoothness of vehicle.”
It is worthy to note that Governor Uzodinma is also following the example of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, who acquired hundreds of Innoson SUVs for traditional rulers, and mini buses for all the secondary schools in the state, a development that has been applauded as being in line with the goals of the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) or Auto Policy.
Reacting to the latest patronage of Innoson by the Imo State Government, National Director-General, National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Jelani Aliyu, said he is very proud of Innoson, and is not surprised that the Imo State Government has found the company’s vehicles very reliable and worthy of consistent patronage.
He maintained that NADDC would continue to support Innoson and other local assembly plants towards producing vehicles that satisfy the needs of the Nigerian market as well as other markets on the continent of Africa.
Also reacting to the development, Managing Director, Lafbart Innovations and Consulting Ltd, Femi Olafunmloye, hailed the governor’s love for the domestic auto industry, imploring other buyers to emulate the patriotic gesture.
Olafunmloye whose company produces tricycle and fabricates agricultural support equipment and parts for light trucks, said: “Gov. Uzodinma has done what others find difficult to do, and that is: Patronise and encourage local players in the auto industry, like Innososn. That is how it is done in every serious country. State agents have to be using locally made vehicles. That his is how to create jobs.”
In the same vein, a strong advocate for a viable automotive who, until recently, headed the Auto Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Dr. D.V.C. Obi, said if channeled inward, government purchases could lift the industry from its present bad situation.
Another auto industry player and Managing Director/CEO of Donakosy Tractors Manufacturing Co. Ltd, Enugu, Kosy Maduanusi, described the Imo State Government’s policy of sourcing vehicles from Innoson as “a very good move towards encouraging and empowering local manufacturers.”
“Our economy is also a huge gainer from this policy of looking inwards, because it will strengthen the company and secure the jobs of the workers. I am very much aware that Innoson currently employs over 7,200 staff and have significantly reduced its expatriates to just one percent, which means Nigerians are the ultimate beneficiaries.
“In other country, government, individuals and corporate organisations purchase only locally manufactured vehicles, but in Nigeria, the reverse seems to be the case. So, Gov. Uzodinma deserves special commendation for being patriotic.
“Governments, individuals and corporate organisations are strongly advised to always purchase locally made produced so as to create jobs, strengthen organisations and reduce capital flight.
“I am calling on government at all levels, individuals and corporate organisations to embrace locally manufactured goods in Nigeria and purchase vehicles from Innoson Vehicles Manufacturing Co. Ltd, Agricultural Tractors from Donakosy Tractors Manufacturing Co. Ltd and other local manufacturers.
“This will, no doubt, strengthen our economy and also help stop and/or reduce the rising inflation which we are currently living with. Our daily choices as Nigerians would aggregately improve or destroy our economy tomorrow,” Maduanusi explained.
