After barely 2 years, a Joint Venture established between the Lagos State Government and GAC Motors of China is already yielding results.
Both Lagos and CIG Motors Nigeria started counting gains on Tuesday when governor Sawo-Olu launched the first set of 2000 vehicles assembled at the CIG’s Ogba, Ikeja assembly plant.
At the ceremony which had in attendance the Consular General of China Lagos office, Ms. Yan Yuqing, Chairman CIG Motors, Chief Diana Chen, members of the State Executive Council, representatives of Banks, and other stakeholders including academicians, the Lagos State governor was both delightful and optimistic. He described the event as a celebration of a monumental achievement in the industrious heart of Lagos.
He also described the completion of the assemblage of 2000 vehicles in Ikeja, Lagos as a solid step toward the aspiration of making Lagos a hub of industrialization and innovation.
In his keynote address titled, “Driving Towards Prosperous Future – Celebrating CIG Motors’ Milestone in Lagos”, Mr. Sanyo-Olu said “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.”
Speaking further, Sanwo-Olu applauded the automobile company and described CIG’s success as a remarkable milestone of assembling 2,000 vehicles right here on Lagos soil. Noting that the accomplishment is not just a testament to the expertise of CIG alone, but a reflection of the promising synergy between international partnerships and local talent.
“In a rapidly globalising world, such collaborations are the propellers of sustainable economic growth. The governor opined, as he also expressed confidence that ‘the establishment of CIG Motors in Ikeja, Lagos is a glowing emblem of our state’s openness to investments that foster job creation, skill development, wealth creation, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
“Today’s milestone is not merely a numeric achievement; it’s an epitome of multisectoral progress that stands to benefit Lagosians in a myriad of ways.
“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.
Moreover, the skill transfer and technical training programs initiated by CIG Motors have empowered many unemployed individuals, arming them with the requisite skills to thrive in today’s competitive job market.
They added that the wealth creation derived from the joint venture of the state and CIG Motors is evident.
“Through increased economic activity, supply chain development, and ancillary businesses, wealth is being created and evenly distributed among our people.
“And it doesn’t end here; the innovative initiative that has intertwined CIG Motors with our state-sponsored taxi-hailing service, LagRide is nothing short of visionary.
“This synergy not only provides affordable and quality transportation for Lagosians but also opens up a plethora of entrepreneurial opportunities for many.
In a delightful allusion to the State-owned cab-hailing initiative, LAGRIDE, which uses over 100 units of GAC Sanwo-Olu said the vehicles are durable, economical, cost-effective, reliable sources of income, and symbols of economic empowerment.
“Through our LagRide scheme, these vehicles have become engines of prosperity, creating wealth for drivers, operators, and all those involved in the value chain.
“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, he said.
He added that the adoption of CIG Motors’ vehicles into the LagRide platform exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to utilising homegrown resources to solve local challenges while positioning Lagos as a trailblazer in fostering innovative public-private partnerships.
“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.
“It is at this point that I want to congratulate the Chairman and Board of GAC Motors, as well as the Management and Staff, for the resounding success achieved so far. Your commitment to our common cause has been delightful to watch, and I thank you for showing the way that, hopefully, many others will soon follow.’ he said.
He equally urged the management of CIG Motors to not rest on its laurels, but continue to seek innovative ways to grow while affirming that it is possible to achieve the completion of the next 2000 units of cars in half the time it took them to attain the first.
The governor then pledged the state’s continued support for CIG and other private companies operating in Lagos.
“Through business-friendly regulations, provision of infrastructure, and investments in quality technical education to produce a 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.”
