The Chairman of CIG Motors Co Limited, Diana Chen, on Tuesday, said that lack of stable electricity supply and insecurity were among the hurdles militating against effective operations of automobile assembly plants in Nigeria.
Chen spoke at the official opening of Guangzhou Automobile Group Motor Abuja G-Style showroom and the unveiling of a new GS8 premium SUV in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja,.
He urged the incoming administration to tackle insecurity to enable Nigeria to harness its potential with respect to growth in the auto industry.
“Power stability is one challenge, without stable electricity supply, it is difficult to have manufacturing here, another one is a security issue,” she said.
She urged the incoming government to tackle security issues with all sense of urgency, stressing that GAC Motor was willing and ready to work with the government at all levels to rebuild the capabilities of the youth population towards becoming well trained, skilled, and technical people especially in the area of automobile industry.
According to her, Nigeria has great economic potential especially in the auto market.
Chen further urged the Federal Government to develop policies that would encourage Nigerians to purchase brand-new vehicles instead of relying on imported fairly used ones.
He added that such a policy would boost investment in assembling plants that could in turn create jobs and wealth for the country.
She disclosed that the company was already in partnership with four banks in the country , adding that this would allow customers to purchase cars while paying back in monthly installments.
“GAC Motor Nigeria is committed to building and developing the future of the automobile industry in Nigeria, and believes that collaboration with the Federal Government is key to achieving this goal”, she stated.
Chen also assured Nigerians of GAC’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s football national teams and the creative sector.
Speaking at the event which was attended by Super Eagles star players Ahmed Musa, Wilfred Ndidi, Kenneth Omeruo and Alex Iwobi, the President of the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, Ibrahim Gusau, thanked the motor company for supporting Nigerian football teams.
Speaking on the brand new GS8 SUV, the General Manager Commercial, CIG Motors, Mr. Jubril Arogundade, said the vehicle was made for Nigerian roads.
