Innoson Vehicles Manufacturing (IVM) Limited, a Nigerian vehicle manufacturer, has announced plans to establish a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) assembly plant in Bayelsa State.
The company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, made the disclosure during a visit to Governor Douye Diri in Government House, on Monday Yenagoa.
Chukwuma said that the investment is expected to boost the state’s transportation sector, provide training, and create jobs.
According to the company’s Corporate Communications Manager, Mr. Kamsi Ejiofor, “The plant will generate 1000 jobs and thousands of direct opportunities in assembly, maintenance, logistics, and local manufacturing.
”The company plans to introduce modern CNG buses, ambulances, and vehicles to enhance mobility and public efficiency in the state”, he added.
Mr. Ejiofor further said, ”The use of CNG vehicles will save costs on fuel and maintenance, improve health, and lead to innovation in Bayelsa, making the state a clean energy and tech pioneer in Nigeria.
”The project will also promote a cleaner and greener environment and enhance the country’s capacity to meet its renewable energy target by 2030,” he also said.
Responding, the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, commended Chief Chukwuma for the decision to site the CNG conversion plant in the state, noting that the investment would help grow Bayelsa’s industrial base.
The governor assured the company of his administration’s commitment to collaborate and provide the necessary infrastructure to support investments in the state.
He noted that the investment was timely, as procurement of CNG vehicles was in the state government’s budget projection for 2026.
“It is a welcome development for CNG vehicles plant to be sited in Bayelsa. We are ready to partner with you.
“One area that l am interested in is the CNG aspect. The world is moving towards renewal energy because of environmental pollution.
“My administration was considering purchasing CNG buses to run our upland transport system. Your coming is timely because it is part of our projections for 2026.
“I assure you that we are putting in place the right environment to enable investments thrive in terms of peace and security, infrastructure and our independent power supply, which will ensure uninterrupted electricity,” he stated.
Gôvernor Diri expressed delight over the economic impact of such investment, particularly in the area of job opportunities.
Governor Diri urged other investors to emulate Innoson’s decision to invest in the state, assuring them of a conducive business environment
The governor also announced an implementation committee to interface with the company, chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Nimibofa Ayawei.
The committee would ensure a smooth execution of the project and facilitate collaboration between the state government and Innoson Vehicles Manufacturing (IVM) Limited.
