THE Nigerian Army on Tuesday formalized its partnership with Nigerian indigenous motor manufacturing company, Innoson Motors for modification of some of its equipment, local production of armored fighting vehicles and other military hardware.
The military made this disclosure during a meeting held between the management of the company led by the Chairman, Doctor Innocent Chukwuma and the leadership of the Nigerian Army led by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
Areas of partnership include immediate supply 100 vehicles, supply of appropriate gears, engines and chassis required for immediate modifications and repairs of armoured fighting vehicles in the North East Theatre of Operations. Identifying requirements for production of armoured fighting vehicle in Nigerian Army Central Workshop in Kaduna and enhancing capacity of Nigerian Army personnel to actively participate on the successful implementation of these joint ventures.
Remarking, the Chief of Army Staff, Buratai congratulated the company for giant strides it has recorded in the production of various brands of vehicles lately. He noted that the essence of the meeting was to further formalize the business relationship between the Nigerian Army and Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company. The Army boss recalled that the Nigerian Army being patriotic with a view to encouraging local entrepreneurs asked Innoson Motors to supply 3 vehicles early last year which he said were found to be durable and performing very well as they were employed in combat and proved to be useful, comfortable and convenient in military operations.
Adding that based on that the Nigerian Army also acquired over 70 more variants of the Innoson vehicles which were deployed in the North East for Operation LAFIYA DOLE. Speaking further, he stressed that the Nigerian Army desires to deepens its cooperation by partnering with Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited to conceptualize, design, modify and produce military hardwares.
In his reactions, Doctor Innocent who expressed happiness that the Nigerian Army has found his vehicles working perfectly also commended the Chief of Army Staff for his great sense of patriotism. He promised to assist the Nigerian Army in its quest for better vehicles for its troops and resuscitation of its Special Vehicle Plant and Workshops. Dr Innocent further thanked the Chief of Army Staff for the commendation, assuring that his company would continue to improve and expand its capacity in vehicle manufacturing. Describing the critical role the Nigerian Army is playing in national development through the fight against insurgency in the North East and Nigeria in general, he appreciated the Nigerian Army for the patronage,
Highlight of the occasion was inspection and handing over of the newly manufactured IVM G80 Bigger Jeep, IVM G40 Smaller Jeep and IVM Granite Pickup by the company for trial by the Nigerian Army.
