By Nigeria indigenous motor manufacturing company, Innoson Motors has inked a strategic business partnership with the Nigerian army for modification of some of its equipment, local production of armoured fighting vehicles and other military wares as part of the government’s promotion of local content and indigenous entrepreneurs.
Innoson Motors, Nigerian Army ink deal for local manufacture of military vehicles
Innoson has become Nigeria’s iconic automotive manufacturer. According to military authorities, three Innoson vehicles deployed in the troubled North Eastern region were found to be both durable and dynamic in battlefield.
In a statement signed by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig Gen SK Usman, the partnership followed a meeting between the management of the company let by the Chairman, Dr. Innocent Chukwuma and the leadership of the Nigerian Army led by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TY Buratai at the Army Headquarters, Abuja. On display during the signing ceremony were newly manufactured vehicles that include models of the IVM G80 Bigger Jeep, IVM G40 Smaller Jeep and IVM Granite Pickup.
“The Nigerian Army being patriotic and in a bid to encourage local entrepreneurs asked Innoson Motors to supply three vehicles early last year which were found to be durable and performing very well as they were employed in combat and proved to be useful, comfortable and convenient in military operations.
“Based on that, the Nigerian Army acquired over 70 more variants of the Innoson vehicles which were deployed in the North East for Operation LAFIYA DOLE”, said Gen Buratai in the official statement.
He said the Nigerian Army will be deepening its cooperation by partnering with Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited to conceptualize, design, modify and produce military hardware. The specific areas of partnership will include immediate supply of 100 vehicles, supply of appropriate gears, engines and chassis required for immediate modifications and repairs of armoured fighting vehicles in the North East Theatre of Operations.
Other areas according to the statement include identifying requirements for production of armoured fighting vehicle in Nigerian Army Central Workshop in Kaduna and enhancing capacity of Nigerian Army personnel to actively participate on the successful implementation of the joint ventures.
Chief Innocent Chukwuma while commending the Chief of Army Staff for his great sense of patriotism, expressed happiness that the Nigerian Army had expressed faith and commitment to the company. He assured that his company would continue to improve and expand its capacity in vehicle manufacturing to help meet the critical needs of the army to fight insurgency.
