Oct. 24, 2023

…Says committed to ensuring that Lagos remains the first choice for businesses in, Nigeria, West Africa

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State says it is committed to ensuring that Lagos remains the first choice for businesses, not only in Nigeria but across the West Africa.

He also assured manufacturers of government’s continued support for the growth of their businesses in the state.

Excited Sanwo-Olu said this on Tuesday at the completion ceremony of the first 2,000 vehicles assembled in Lagos by GAC Motors in Ikeja.

The ceremony was tagged: “Driving Towards a Prosperous Future – Celebrating CIG Motors’ Milestone in Lagos.”

He said government’s support would come through business-friendly regulations, provision of infrastructure and investments in quality technical education to produce world-class workforce.

The governor commended CIG Motors, Chinese indigenous car manufacturing company, for the remarkable milestone of assembling 2,000 vehicles on Lagos soil.

He said the accomplishment was not just a testament to their expertise, but a reflection of the promising synergy between international partnerships and local talents.

“In a rapidly globalising world, such collaborations are the propellers of sustainable economic growth.

“The establishment of CIG Motors here 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 multi-sectoral progress that stands to benefit Lagosians in a myriad of ways”, Sanwo-Olu said.

He said the ripple effect of the firm’s establishment extended far beyond the automotive sector, as it had ushered in a new dawn of employment.

The governor said the firm’s presence had provided industrious youths with well-deserved jobs, thereby contributing significantly to reducing unemployment rates in Lagos State.

He said the skills transfer and technical training programmes initiated by the firm had empowered many unemployed individuals, arming them with the requisite skills to thrive in today’s competitive job market.

“Furthermore, the wealth creation derived from this venture is palpable. 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”, Sanwo-Olu said.

The Chairman, CIG Motors, Diana Chen, while speaking at the event, said the story started with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Lagos State in 2020.

Chen said the company was committed to working with the Federal Government on intracity and sustainable transportation technology.