Gentlemen of the Press, there are many other indigenous companies in Nigeria that are bringing effect to Nigerian Content in other sectors of the economy. We must also recognize them here.
Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Co. (IVM) Ltd.
Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited is a wholly owned Nigerian company established in 2007 by Chief (Dr.) Innocent Chukwuma, OON. In its ultra modern assembly plant which was commissioned on October 15, 2010 by President Goodluck Jonathan in Nnewi, Innoson Limited undertakes optimization design and assembly of Completely-Knocked-Down (CKD) auto parts to produce the first truly made-in-Nigeria vehicles that are affordable and reliable.
Body parts, chassis and other components of Innoson vehicles are fully made-in-Nigeria. The Engine Axle and Gear Box are the only components that are imported. It is also worthy of note that 90% Nigerian content in both materials and personnel is achieved at Innoson.
IVM Limited is Nigeria’s breakthrough in technological know-how.
Omatek Computers
Engr. Mrs Florence Seriki started the enterprise called Omatek Ventures during her Youth Service days to give vent to her passion for computer proficiency. Then, she engaged in
facilitating training on use and application of computer systems for bank executives and their oil and gas counterparts.
Over the years, Omatek has transformed from the computer training outfit it used to be to a computer manufacturer of note. In 2008, it recorded a major feat by beating competition from 42 other countries to become the Best System Builder in East, West and Central Africa (EWCA), a feat that has not been matched till date. Omatek also has a record of being the first computer company to be listed on the stock market. In the company’s repositioning bid, it approached the Nigerian Stock Exchange for capital muscle through private placement. On June 18, 2008, Omatek was listed, with its shares oversubscribed by N5 billion. The company has continued to grow and earn respect and acceptance in Nigeria as well as along the coast of West Africa.
Need for Patronage
Sadly, it has been noted that Nigeria and Nigerians will rather buy foreign brands of Computer Systems and Peripherals instead of indigenous Omatek products and that of a host of other Nigerian Companies.
There is a retinue of Government Agencies that must be patronized by Government itself in the first instance, thus creating awareness resulting to patronage by Nigerians. These Agencies include but are not limited to; National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI), Nigerian Communication Satellite Limited (NigComSat), National Centre for Agriculture Mechanisation (NCAM), to name just a few.
NASENI: Establishment of a Center of Excellence in nanotechnology and advance materials; Establishment of 30Kw Solar generating power plant as back up at Dalhatu Araf Specialist
Hospital, Lafia; Commissioning of a 5Kw Small Hydro power turbine at Mada River and supplying Guda hamlet power off grid, Development of deep well hand pump for water solution; Production of solar panels; manufacturing of drilling rigs; manufacturing of motorcycles and tricycles; production of laminating machines; and Cassava processing machines.
NBRRI: Research and development in local building and construction materials such as: Production of Low Cost Ceiling Boards using Molasses; Design and Construction of Palm Kernel Shell Grinding Machines; Laterite Mixing machine; Fabrication of Interlocking Block Making Machines with gloved Mould for Conduit wiring; Development of Natural clay Plaster used for
interior finishing of building works and Design and Fabrication of Interlocking Paving Stones vibrating table using plastic moulds.
NIGCOMSAT: Development of satellites (NigComSat-1 and NigComSat-1R); development of Micro-Electronic Centre for production of various electronic products; development of
indigenous electronic voting system.
Local Content in the Manufacturing of Agricultural Equipment
The Agricultural Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government of Nigeria is laudable. The success of this programme in relation to mechanization shall require a more rigorous input of highly skilled Engineering personnel and efficient locally manufactured agro-based equipment and manufacturers.
