Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State recently made a significant move by launching the Stallion Vehicle Assembly Plant and Automotive Infrastructure in Owo, Nkanu East Local Government Area. This event was more than just a groundbreaking ceremony; it signified the state’s strategic shift towards becoming a production-driven economy rather than merely being consumer-based. The occasion, held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, was attended by various key figures including Governor Peter Mbah himself (represented by Prof. Chidiebere Onyia), Mahesh Vaswani (Group Managing Director of Stallion Group), and several other important state officials.
The establishment of this plant not only symbolizes Enugu’s entry into Nigeria’s automotive industry but also aligns with the state’s ambitious economic vision to boost its GDP significantly over the next eight years. The goal is to raise Enugu’s GDP from $4.4 billion to an impressive $30 billion within this timeframe.
“This groundbreaking marks the beginning of a new industrial era,”
Governor Mbah expressed during the ceremony, emphasizing the pivotal role of this project in fostering industrialization, innovation, and inclusive economic growth. He highlighted that besides creating numerous direct and indirect job opportunities ranging from engineering roles to administrative positions, the plant would also support Enugu’s youth empowerment taxi scheme.
A notable aspect of this initiative is its focus on clean energy vehicles aligning with Enugu’s climate policy to reduce carbon emissions through sustainable transportation solutions. The assembly plant will initially produce 2,000 hybrid sedans with plans for expanding into bus manufacturing in the near future.
Moreover, Governor Mbah envisions this facility as more than just a production site; it is designed to be a training ground for budding automotive engineers. The structured frameworks for technology transfer and skills development within the plant aim to nurture a new generation of skilled professionals who can contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s automotive sector.
Mahesh Vaswani lauded Governor Mbah’s foresight in driving this collaboration forward as he remarked that it would not only enhance transport infrastructure but also create employment opportunities while positioning Enugu prominently on Africa’s auto industry map.
Furthermore, local commissioners present at the event praised how this initiative seamlessly integrated with Enugu State’s climate action plan focusing on reducing carbon footprints and enhancing air quality standards. They emphasized community involvement in safeguarding and supporting such ventures for mutual success.
Hon. Okechukwu Edeh commended Governor Mbah for his leadership and dedication toward attracting both local and foreign investments through various reform initiatives over recent years. These efforts highlight the administration’s commitment towards fostering an investor-friendly environment bolstered by reforms like Ease of Doing Business practices.
In conclusion, these collaborative efforts depict Enugu State’s progressive stance towards embracing sustainable technologies while propelling economic growth through strategic partnerships and innovative ventures within its automotive sector.
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