The Lagos State Government has announced a partnership with GAC Motors, a Chinese automobile company, to create more jobs and enhance the skills of the youth in the state. The partnership was revealed at Tuesday’s completion ceremony of the first 2,000 vehicles assembled by GAC Motors in Lagos.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the partnership was part of his administration’s public-private partnership initiative to improve the state’s economy and industrialization. He commended GAC Motors for achieving the milestone of assembling 2,000 vehicles locally, using international standards and local talent.
He said the establishment of GAC Motors in Lagos was a testament to the state’s openness to investments that foster job creation, skill development, wealth creation, and entrepreneurial opportunities. He added that his government would continue to support the growth of the private sector through business-friendly regulations, infrastructure development, and quality technical education.
The governor said the partnership would also contribute to reducing the unemployment rate in the state, which stood at 37.3 percent as of 2022, according to Punch. He said the skill transfer and technical training programs initiated by GAC Motors had empowered many unemployed individuals with the requisite skills to thrive in today’s competitive job market.
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of GAC Motors in Nigeria, Chief Diana Chen, urged the government to phase out the use of second-hand vehicles from the state. She said this would create more demand for locally assembled vehicles and boost the automotive industry. She also thanked the governor for his support and cooperation.
The partnership between Lagos State and GAC Motors is one of the efforts to revive the Nigerian automotive industry, which is struggling with low production capacity, high importation costs, and policy inconsistencies. The federal government launched the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) in 2013 to encourage local production and reduce import dependence. However, the plan has faced several challenges, such as lack of access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, and smuggling.
The partnership between Lagos State and GAC Motors could be a positive step towards addressing these challenges and creating more opportunities for the youth in the state. The governor expressed his optimism that the partnership would lead to a prosperous future for Lagos and Nigeria.
Source: Business Day
