The Ibom automobile assembly plant promoted by Mimshac-Merkavin, an Israeli firm, will come on stream by the end of the year when all the production lines would have been installed. The plant is expected to roll out commercial vehicles for use in the country.
The ground-breaking of the factory was carried out about two years ago but the commencement of activities was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic and fluctuation in the exchange rate which affected shipment of machines and equipment.
Valentino Okorie, the managing director of the company who made this known while conducting a team from the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (FMAFC) around the factory in Itu, Akwa Ibom State, said the firm would provide employment for about 1000 Nigerians.
Okorie, who was accompanied by Israeli investors, said 20 employees would be sent to Israel for training, adding that they would, on their return, train other employees of the plant.
The plant, he explained, is designed to produce commercial vehicles for Nigerian roads taking into consideration the country’s terrain and environment.
He thanked the state government for supporting the project adding that by evolving to its present stage, there was no doubt the plant would boost commercial activities and fast-track the state’s economy.
“We are going to produce vehicles here that will stand the conditions of Nigerian roads. We are building this having in mind the terrain of our environment, it is going to be a vehicle built in Nigeria and also produced for Nigerians. We are taking 20 people from Akwa Ibom to Israel for training. When they come back, they will train others, and with the support of the technical team very soon, we will come back for commissioning,’’ he said.
Chairman of Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Elias Mbam said the purpose of the visit “was to allow for federal awareness of the employment potential of the state from the project and to inspect the state government’s strides towards industrialisation.”
“I am happy that the revenue in which I am mobilising is being rolled out here and by the time we start, people would pay their taxes and that would add to the revenue of the government,’’ he said.
The state commissioner for economic development and deep seaport, Akan Okon expressed the commitment of the state government towards the timely completion of the project adding that as part of its contribution, a dedicated power line was being provided to the factory to ensure steady and regular electricity supply.
He commended the investors for identifying with the industrialisation drive of the state government and urged more investors and entrepreneurs to take advantage of the enabling environment being created in the state by the present administration.
