The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, on Thursday, warmly received the Executive Chairman of Innoson Group, manufacturers of Innoson vehicles, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
During the visit, the Chairman commended the Minister for his exceptional leadership acumen and the remarkable progress recorded in the development of road networks across the nooks and crannies of Nigeria, noting the transformative impact on connectivity, economic activities, and the overall quality of life of Nigerians.
In response, the Minister described Chief Chukwuma, as a patriotic Nigerian, lauding his courage, vision, and tireless commitment to national development.
He noted that the Innoson Chairman represents a class of Nigerians who strongly believe in the country and are willing to take bold risks to drive its growth and industrial advancement.
The Chairman also applauded the visible development witnessed in Ebonyi State and the wider South East, observing that the positive outcomes of Umahi’s leadership style, both as a former Governor and now as Minister of Works, is evident even to first-time visitors.
He stated, “Even a first-time visitor to Ebonyi State cannot fail to notice the remarkable progress made during your tenure as Governor. We most sincerely appreciate your leadership, tremendous efforts, and their effects.”
Expressing further appreciation, he thanked President Bola Tinubu, for appointing Umahi, as Minister of Works, described the decision as that of “a round peg in a round hole” and one that is already yielding tangible results, nationwide.
On industrial development, the Chairman reaffirmed his long-standing commitment to domestic manufacturing and youth empowerment, noting that Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) Company has grown into one of the largest employers of labour in Africa, with thousands of families sustained through its operations.
He disclosed that in 2026 alone, the company is set to employ nearly 2,000 additional workers following the establishment of a new factory dedicated to the production of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks and electric vehicles.
The Chairman further announced a major industrial milestone for the Group, revealing the near-completion of a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Vehicle Manufacturing Plant, described as one of the biggest of its kind in the world, with an installed capacity of producing 3,000 CNG units each of 6 different types of vehicles per annum.
He noted that the facility will be equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and is expected to be completed within the next few months.
He also explained that the factory, which is expected to commence operations soon, will be supported by a technical training scheme designed to equip young Nigerians with practical skills, offering employment opportunities upon completion or certification for work elsewhere. According to him, this initiative will help productively engage the youth and contribute significantly to reducing insecurity.
He added that the project aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration and disclosed that the facility will be commissioned by the President upon completion.
The Director, Information and Public Relations, Mr. Mohammed Ahmed, said an invitation was also extended to the Minister to attend the epoch-making ceremony, which he gladly accepted.
