By Theodore Opara

The just commissioned CFAO Yamaha  Motor Nigeria Limited assembly plant will be producing 70,000 motorcycles by 2018. Olivier Levigne, Managing Director, CFAO Yamaha Ltd, stated this while answering questions from the press shortly after  commissioning  the plant in Lagos.

According to him, Nigeria should expect quality products from the company, which Yamaha is known for across the globe. The new plant and show room was commissioned by the Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, who described  the unveiling as a good development for the people of Lagos State and Nigeria in general.

The governor noted that the commissioning of the CFAO Yamaha assembly plant in Lagos brings to 10, the  number of such plants  commissioned in the state since the new Federal Government’s automobile policy came to effect in 2015.

Conducive atmosphere

He emphasised the leadership status of the state as the most attractive location financially and socially for investment in Africa, just as he reiterated the commitment of his administration towards putting in place policies to attract investment and facilitate conducive atmosphere for businesses to thrive. “Lagos, with the population of over 21 million people, which comprises of the middle-class with strong purchasing powers remains the best place for business in Nigeria,”he said,  and called on other international business conglomoretes, who were yet to establish their businesses in Lagos to consider doing so.

In their remarks, the Chairman, CFAO France and the President, Yamaha Motors Company Limited, Messrs. Richard Bielle and Hiroyuki Yanagi, respectively, while speaking separately at the event, said that the joint venture was strategic as it will boost their capacity to deepen their operations  in Africa.

The duo, who expressed their belief in Lagos as the business hub of Africa and also pledged their commitment in using their business expertise to better the lot of Nigerians, thanked the government of Lagos State for the support. They said the joint venture between CFAO and Yamaha  will strengthen the transport sector as well as boost employment opportunity in the country.

They described Lagos and Nigeria as their main focus because of the country’s rapid economic growth and existing business opportunities.

Mr. Yanagi declared that Yamaha, which closed in Nigeria 10 years ago was back in Lagos with new and quality products that will meet the desire of the people. Earlier, Chairman of CFAO Yamaha Motor Nigeria Limited, Mr. Gbenga Oyebode, said apart from the commissioning of the CFAO Yamaha assembly plant, CFAO Group as a whole has a lot to offer the state and the country in general.