2,000 locally assembled automobiles get to market as Sanwo-Olu inaugurates plant 

Gov assures manufacturers of support in Lagos

IBRAHIM QUADRI

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday assured manufacturers of his administration’s resolve to improve the country’s business environment.

Governor Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance at the completion ceremony of the first 2,000 vehicles assembled by GAC Motors in Lagos, even as he commended the diligent efforts of CIG Motors, a Chinese indigenous car manufacturing entity, describing the assemblage of the first set of 2,000 vehicles “right here on Lagos soil” as a remarkable milestone.

“I stand before you today, enveloped with immense pride and optimism, as we celebrate a monumental achievement in the industrious heart of Lagos. Our vibrant city now hosts a thriving hub of automotive excellence, thanks to the diligent efforts of CIG Motors, a commendable Chinese indigenous car manufacturing entity.

“Today, we applaud their remarkable milestone of assembling 2,000 vehicles right here on Lagos soil. This accomplishment is not just a testament to their expertise, but a reflection of the promising synergy between international partnerships and local talent,” the governor said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that in a rapidly globalizing world, such collaborations were the propellers of sustainable economic growth, saying the establishment of CIG Motors in the state was a glowing emblem of the state’s openness to investments that foster job creation, skill development, wealth creation, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Sanwo-Olu said the milestone was a solid step towards the aspiration of making Lagos a hub of industrialization and innovation, pointing out that it is a narrative of how international partnerships, coupled with a conducive business environment, can fast-track the state’s journey towards economic buoyancy and societal advancement.

“This milestone is a solid step towards our aspiration of making Lagos a hub of industrialization and innovation. It’s a narrative of how international partnerships, coupled with a conducive business environment, can fast-track our journey towards economic buoyancy and societal advancement,” the governor stated.

“On our part, we 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 governor assured.

Speaking further, Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that the milestone was not merely a numeric achievement but an epitome of multi-sectoral progress that stands to benefit Lagosians in a myriad of ways, saying that the ripple effect of CIG Motors’ establishment extends far beyond the automotive sector.

According to him, such 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.”

This was just as he disclosed that the LagRide scheme exclusively uses the GS3 SUV and GA4 Saloon cars that were assembled in the state, adding that the vehicles were produced locally to global standards to provide comfort for passengers.

“Moreover, the skill transfer and technical training programmes initiated by CIG Motors have empowered many unemployed individuals, arming them with the requisite skills to thrive in today’s competitive job market,” he said.