Nigeria: 2,000 jobs planned with new car plant

Nigeria’s top car manufacturer, Innoson Group, plans to set up a compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle manufacturing plant and hire thousands of young people as part of its push for homegrown manufacturing, according to the company’s chairman, as reported by APA News on February 1st.

Mr Innocent Chukwuma, Executive Chairman of Innoson Group, said the company remains committed to producing vehicles in Nigeria and creating jobs for young people. He said this approach has helped Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing grow into one of the largest employers in the manufacturing sector on the continent. Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing is Nigeria’s first local carmaker and produces a range of buses, cars and trucks designed for local conditions.

The new factory will produce CNG trucks and electric vehicles. Chukwuma said the plant is expected to be one of the largest of its kind globally. Once fully operational, it will be able to produce up to 3,000 vehicles each year, across six different models. 

Chukwuma added that Innoson plans to hire about 2,000 additional workers in 2026, following the completion of the new plant. The factory will be fitted with modern equipment and is expected to be completed within the next few months. Production is expected to begin shortly after construction is finished.

He said the project is not only about vehicle production but also about skills development. He explained that the factory will include a technical training programme aimed at young Nigerians. Through this scheme, trainees will gain hands-on experience and practical skills needed to work in vehicle manufacturing and related fields.

Chukwuma also linked youth employment to broader social stability. According to the report, “This initiative will engage the youth productively and contribute significantly to reducing insecurity in Nigeria.”

With the planned expansion into CNG and electric vehicles, Chukwuma said Innoson aims to support Nigeria’s growth toward cleaner energy while creating jobs and equipping the country’s youth with technical skills.

 

APA News, Maghrebi.org