By Fatima Zahra Muhammad
The Jamaican government has announced plans to outsource vehicles from Nigeria, precisely from Nigeria-owned manufacturing company, Innoson Vehicles Manufacturing (IVM).
The country’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Esmond Reid stated this on Saturday when he visited the facility of the firm located in Nnewi, Anambra State.
Reid, who was accompanied by Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama said that his country was yet to come up with the specifics of the arrangement but will soon make its proposal known in detail.
“This is my first visit. I will go and consult with my stakeholders back home to look at the timeline and determine the negotiations and engagements and when we will start the business of sourcing the vehicles,” he said.
Also speaking, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama said that the manufacturing plant was one among the numerous progress achieved in Nigeria.
Onyeama stressed the need for the implementation of the Presidential Executive Order which makes it compulsory for government officials to patronize made-in-Nigeria goods.
“There is a Presidential Executive Order that requires government officials to buy Nigeria.
“That order has to be imposed and made mandatory. In France, it is impossible to see a French Government official driving a non-French car, the same in Japan, Korea, the UK, and the U.S.
“We have to do the same here. This will encourage and support our citizens and demystify technology,” he said.
Onyeama also commended the IVM for taking the lead and maintaining high standards in its operations.
