UNLIKE  some loquacious set of people who ventilate negative feelings against President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in the media, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, Chairman/ CEO of INNOSON Group  has a strong belief that this administration is well –intentioned and poised to change things for the better. As one of Nigeria’s leading industrialists, and pioneer auto mobile manufacturer his businesses are bound to thrive within the framework of the federal government’s diversification and industrialisation policy.

Again, it was based on the federal government’s recognition of INNOSON Group as a major player not only in the automobile sector, but in the overall national economy that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo led a federal government delegation to visit the factory at Nnewi, Anambra State sometime in 2015. Since then the federal government has continued to provide all necessary incentives aimed at supporting industrialists like INNOSON.

INNOSON on its part has remained a catalyst for the speedy industrial development of Nigeria, especially in automobile manufacturing, having started local manufacturing of various types of vehicles. It is on record that it was based on their initial bold move that other local vehicle manufacturing plants sprang up, and to their eternal credit Nigeria has emerged as an automobile manufacturing country.

Therefore going by the synergy already existing between INNOSON and the federal government it is futile to assume or impute the fact that the company is at loggerheads or even opposing the President  Buhari administration. Rather than harbouring any sort of ill feelings, all Nigerians, including the INNOSON Group are determined to lend their support to enable the administration deliver democracy dividends to all Nigerians.

As a responsible corporate entity INNOSON Group has a major role to play towards ensuring that President Buhari administration’s succeeds and it is gratifying that they keep upholding this responsibility. Indeed, they are famous for applauding many policies being implemented by this administration to revitalise the nation’s economy.

As a government, President Buhari’s policy thrusts are majorly focused on diversification, which makes supporting industries like INNOSON imperative; promoting agriculture; restoring security and fighting corruption. In all these  areas the  administration has given a good account of itself, and going forward the INNOSON Group can partner with the administration on job creation, technology transfer and skills acquisition.

This era in our history requires the collaborative efforts and involvement of all stakeholders, especially employers of labour like INNOSON which boasts  of over 5000 staff strength.

Government has repeatedly stated the fact that the cooperation of the private sector is key towards actualising its various empowerment and job creation programmes. For example, the federal government policy of patronising locally made vehicles, especially from the wholly- indigenous INNOSON stock will greatly help to bridge the unemployment gap, mostly among young Nigerian graduates.

By partnering with indigenous automobile manufacturers like INNOSON, the federal government can be able to implement some of the initiatives under the social investment programme. For example, beneficiaries of the skill acquisition scheme will have an opportunity to have practical knowledge at the INNOSON Kiara  Academy and INNOSON Vehicles Manufacturing plant at Nnewi, Anambra State.

It is indeed laudable that President Buhari’s administration has the wisdom and courage to implement the policy of patronising locally made goods as it will enhance their capacity to improve on their quality and further stimulate the economy.

For the first time in recent Nigeria’s history, we have an administration that is focused towards rejuvenating the local economy by supporting home-based industries like INNOSON. While some people may consider such policy protectionist in nature, yet it serves the useful purpose of keeping jobs at home and widening the scope for the realisation of Made in Nigeria products.

On this score, INNOSON is a reliable federal government partner as they have demonstrated tenacity, reliability and the durability of their vehicles have never been called to question. Therefore, having attained this towering height as the first indigenous automobile manufacturer, it is expected that the various federal government agencies, ministries and departments will key into the vision of President Buhari’s administration by patronising locally made vehicles.

In fact, it can be considered as economic sabotage for any MDA to fail in this direction as it will amount to frittering away scarce foreign currencies and outsourcing needed jobs to foreigners.

Finally, the question of INNOSON’S support to the Buhari administration is uncalled for as both are working in harmony for the benefit of all Nigerians.

Mr. Chukwudi Enekwechi, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Abuja.