Edo Govt Partners Foton Motor Group to Set Up World-class Vehicle Manufacturing, Assembling Plant

PHOTO: L-R: Managing Director, Rongtai, Joneny Lei; Project Manager, Foton, Jzmmy Liao; Managing Director, ESIPO, Kelvin Uwaibi; Senior Manager, Foton, Frank Chen, and Sales Manager, Foton, Lucas Guo, after a meeting at the ESIPO’s office in Benin City, Edo State.

The Edo State Government has disclosed that it is collaborating with Foton Motor Group, an international vehicle manufacturing firm, to establish a world-class vehicle assembling and manufacturing plant in the state.

The Managing Director of the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), Mr. Kelvin Uwaibi, stated that the partnership will create training and employment opportunities, as well as help reduce the cost of vehicles in Nigeria and Africa.

According to him, “Foton Motor Group has traded with Nigeria in the past; however, they will commence manufacturing their products in Nigeria by establishing an automobile assembling factory in Edo State. Edo State will provide the necessary support to ensure that the factory is established, and in turn, they will provide support through strategies and investments to alleviate car-related issues in Nigeria and Africa.”

He explained that for Edo, the investment will bring about capacity building and training for young people and ensure that vehicles and spare parts are more affordable for Edo residents and Nigerians.

On his part, the Project Manager of Foton Motor Group, Jimmy Liuo, said, “The vehicle assembling company in Edo is going to be a long-term investment and will contribute to economic development in Nigeria. We are in Edo State because of its business-friendly environment. We will bring top brands from China like Micro, Light, and Heavy-duty trucks and CNG to Nigeria to reduce the cost of vehicles in Nigeria.”