The Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, Mr Joseph Osanipin accompanied by members of the House of Representatives, recently toured the CIG Motors facility in Lagos State to witness the company’s strides in the automotive industry, challenges and its overall contribution to local economic development.
During the visit, Jubril Arogundade, Executive Director of CIG Motors, highlighted the factory’s impressive growth and capacity. “Our factory boasts an annual production capacity of 5,000 to 50,000 vehicles. Notably, within just six months of opening, we successfully assembled and launched our first 2,000 units,” Arogundade shared.
CIG Motors, a giant in the Nigerian automotive sector, prides itself on its commitment to local workforce development. “We take pride in our localized workforce, with 98% of our factory staff being Nigerian nationals,” Arogundade added. According to him, the company has partnered with the College of Education and Technology, Nigeria, to offer opportunities for students through on-site training programs.
CIG Motors also sponsors international courses in Guangzhou, China, where 30 students are currently undergoing an intensive 18-month training program in electrical, mechanical, and air conditioning engineering. Currently, CIG Motors has trained over 200 young Nigerians, with numbers steadily increasing as the company continues to prioritize skills development in the automotive sector.
Honourable Dolapo Badru, Chairman of the House Committee on Industry, in his remarks underscored the importance of supporting operational assembly plants like CIG Motors. He emphasized that such plants play a pivotal role in reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imported vehicles.
“We are proud to support consistently operating assembly plants. To further boost their success and attract more Nigerian customers, we need to shape legislative initiatives that encourage local production. Assembly plants committed to excellence will eventually replace importers of old cars.” he said.
Badru also suggested that the government could facilitate the growth of local manufacturers by offering affordable payment options, enabling Nigerians to purchase new, locally assembled vehicles.
