By|| Goodluck E.Adubazi || Abuja
The Executive Chairman of Innoson Group, Chief (Dr.) Innocent Chukwuma, CON, has lauded the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Umahi, CON, for what he described as a remarkable transformation of Nigeria’s road infrastructure, saying the impact is being felt across the country.
Chief Chukwuma gave the commendation on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the Minister at the Federal Ministry of Works headquarters in Abuja. He praised Engr. Umahi’s leadership style and the significant progress recorded in road construction and rehabilitation nationwide, noting that improved connectivity is boosting economic activities and enhancing the quality of life of Nigerians.
In his response, the Minister described the Innoson Chairman as a patriotic and visionary Nigerian whose commitment to local manufacturing and national development stands out. Engr. Umahi said Chief Chukwuma represents a class of citizens who believe strongly in Nigeria and are willing to take bold steps to drive industrial growth and economic advancement.
The Innoson Chairman also highlighted the visible infrastructural development in Ebonyi State and the wider South-East, attributing the progress to Engr. Umahi’s leadership both as former Governor of the state and now as Minister of Works. He noted that the impact of his governance is evident even to first-time visitors to the state.
Chief Chukwuma further expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for appointing Engr. Umahi as Minister of Works, describing the decision as “a round peg in a round hole” that is already delivering tangible results across the nation.
Speaking on industrial expansion, the Innoson Group Chairman reaffirmed his commitment to local manufacturing and youth empowerment, disclosing that Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) has grown into one of Africa’s largest employers of labour. He revealed that the company plans to employ nearly 2,000 additional workers in 2026 following the establishment of a new factory for the production of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks and electric vehicles.
He also announced the near completion of a massive CNG vehicle manufacturing plant—one of the largest in the world—with the capacity to produce 3,000 CNG vehicles annually across six different models. According to him, the facility will be equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and is expected to be completed within the next few months.
Chief Chukwuma explained that the plant will be supported by a technical training programme aimed at equipping young Nigerians with practical skills, providing employment opportunities and contributing to efforts to reduce youth unemployment and insecurity.
He noted that the project aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and disclosed that the President is expected to commission the facility upon completion. An invitation was also extended to the Minister of Works to attend the commissioning ceremony, which Engr. Umahi gladly accepted.
