The Lagos State Government and a Chinese vehicle manufacturing company, CIG, on Tuesday, marked the completion of the assembling of the first 2000 vehicles in Ogba, Ikeja.
The assembling plant is the first of its kind to be built in Lagos by the Chinese company in partnership with the Lagos State government.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was elated while inspecting the plant commended the vehicle manufacturing company for its bold decision to open an assembling plant in Lagos.
According to him, the development would create more jobs in the state and Nigeria in general.
“The ripple effect of CIG Motors’ establishment extends far beyond the automotive sector. It has ushered in a new dawn of employment, providing our industrious youth with well-deserved jobs, thereby contributing significantly to reducing unemployment rates in Lagos State.
From the assembly line to the LagRide platform, every vehicle produced creates a ripple effect of job opportunities across various sectors. It’s about the mechanic who services the vehicle, the driver who operates it, the technology professional who supports the LagRide platform, and the many other roles that this initiative has generated,” the governor said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu described assembling of 2000 vehicles in the plant as a remarkable milestone and a reflection of the promising synergy between international partnerships and local talent.
He said the state government “shall continue to find ways to support your growth and that of other private sector players. Through business-friendly regulations, provision of infrastructure, and investments in quality technical education to produce world-class workforce, we are committed to ensuring that Lagos remains the first choice for business, not only in Nigeria but across the West African landscape.”
The chairman, CIG Motors, Daina Chen said the journey into establishing the plant began in 2020 during Covid-19 pandemic when the company and the state signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, to partner in establishing an assembling plant in the state.
She added that the plant has the capacity to assemble over 50,000 vehicles. She further said the company would increase its production to 5000.