By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, weekend hailed the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) for their efforts towards promoting local contents and automobile industry in Nigeria.

He made the remark during a courtesy visit to Mr Jelani Aliyu, Director-General/CEO of the Council, which is a subsidiary under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Commerce.

The Governor noted that the drive and creativity he has seen in the past speaks of the immense potential existing in Nigeria, even as he harped on the continuous need to look inwards to see how the abundant potentials in the country can be harnessed and improved upon.

He said: “I am a promoter, advocate for Made-In-Nigeria contents and already championing this cause by making Innoson Vehicle my official car.”

While assuring of his support towards the automotive industry policy document that is being updated and expected to go live soon, Soludo pledged his unalloyed commitment towards promoting the adoption of the policy to ensure that Nigerians and public officers patronize their local industry and Made-In-Nigeria cars are mainstreamed.

The Council made a presentation on progress recorded since inception in 2013, where they are right now and how Anambra have been pivotal in the drive towards the industrialization of the automotive industry.

It added: “The plan for Anambra industrial park is ready, some pre-work have started and the administrative office is 90 percent complete.

“Few weeks from now, a proposal will be sent for the implementation of the Anambra Industrial Park Plan.

“Anambra has been pivotal in the drive towards the industrialization of the automotive industry.”

Meanwhile, the Anambra Government is expected to construct connecting roads, provide solar lights, construct drainage systems, conduct geo-contour and geo-technical survey on the land.

The Governor further requested the Council to setup an Automotive Training Centre in the State promising to swing into action to ensure the Anambra Automotive Industrial Park becomes a reality in the nearest future.

Respondong, the DG requested the State government to make available one hectare of land for the training facility.