The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris has asked the management of Innoson Motors to go into full production of Armoured Personal Carriers to assist the government in fighting insurgency in the country.
The IGP made this call at Nnewi, Anambra State at the commissioning of Innoson Vehicle Automated Plant and unveiling of Innoson IVM Granite 2019 edition.
IGP Ibrahim Kpotun Idris, who was represented by his Deputy, Agboola Oshodi-Glover, commended Innoson for providing camouflage vehicles for the army to tackle several forms of insecurity.
Continuing, he assured of police patronage on armoured vehicles produced by the company, just as he called on other organizations to support locally made vehicles in the country.
Hear him "Innoson is making history. This type is rare. I congratulate you and want to assure you that police will give you all the necessary supports you need” "But you need to commence production of Armoured Personal Carriers (APC) to enable the police tackle insurgents and other security challenges in the country," he added.
Also speaking, the Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano, who was represented by the Deputy, Dr Nkem Okeke, praised the ingenuity of the company amidst apparent challenges in the industry, and the problems associated with doing business in Nigeria.
"I'm happy this is happening in our state. It's only here that manufacturing vehicles happens in Nigeria. Others travel to other countries and gather parts to assemble in Nigeria," he said.
Dr Nkem Okeke, however, regretted the epileptic power supply in the state, which he said, has hampered the production possibility frontier of the company.
The governor therefore urged the federal government, as a matter of urgency, to provide adequate power supply and enabling environment for maximum productivity in the state. He also appealed to both governments to commence placing orders on the vehicles produced by IVM, as a way of supporting local content, which the Anambra state government is already doing.
"With what innoson is doing, he's contributing immensely to the nation's GDP and should be encouraged to do more," Obiano added.
Earlier, the chairman of the Innoson vehicle manufacturing company, Chief Dr. Innocent Chukwuma, said the company's major strength depended in its ability to produce according to clients' specifications and needs, and promised to produce any type of vehicle that may be needed by any client, so far it meets the legal requirements, backed by law.
He said: "The fact that the Nigerian Police vehicle operate in diverse and dangerous terrains as a result of its functions, Innoson vehicles can produce specific operational vehicles that will meet the operational requirements of the Nigerian Police."
He, however, urged the police to partner with them for the manufacturing of its specific and customized vehicles that would enhance its constitutional responsibilities to the nation.
"This pick up is built for our roads and it's in line with the latest generation of international brands of high end pick up," he said.