The first automobile assembly plant in Akwa Ibom State is 70 per cent ready, the state government has said.
The factory, MIMSHAC-MERKAVIM Automobile Plant, ibeing developed in Ikot Ukap of Itu Local Government Area, is said be gearing up towards kick-starting operations.
The company’s Managing Director Valentino Okorie gave the update on the project, adding that work was being intensified on the plant to get it completed in a couple of weeks and opened it for business.
A statement by the state government on its verified Facebook page described the project as part of the fruits of Governor Udom Emmanuel-led administration’s relentless industrialisation push.
When completed, it stated that it would be the first car assembling plant in the South-South region of Nigeria.
It stated that once the SKD (Semi Knocked down facility/production line arrives, over 3,000 direct workers would be employed and sent abroad for a six weeks training in automobile assembling.
The automobile plant is said to have six production lines with a capacity to chun out five conventional vehicles, 18 cars/ SUVs, 13 mini buses, nine midi buses, five luxurious buses.
A total production of 108 cars/SUVs, 56 buses in two weeks. 30 luxurious buses and conventional vehicles in one month will be the target, according to the report.
“The buses to be produced in the factory for commercial purposes; have over 25 years durability. The vehicles are built with Israeli standard technology, the best you can ever think of. The engine is formidable and known over the world. The body is alloy”, Okorie added.
He lauded Governor Emmanuel for taking personal interest in the project, and for providing all the needed support for it to commence production.
The report listed media aides to Governor Emmanuel that attended the briefing by Okorie as Essien Ndueso, Aniekeme Finbarr, Solomon Eyo and Rev Richard Peters.
