An abandoned N550billion vehicle manufacturing plant established by the federal government in Effuran Uvwie local government area of Delta State is generating serious concern among stakeholders.
President of the Delta State Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Prince David Eweta, told journalists in Asaba yesterday that the manufacturing plant was rotting away and the premises overgrown by weeds.
He said that if the plant would be resuscitated, Nigeria as a nation would save at least N145million spent on imported vehicles; this is besides producing revenue and employment for the youth.
While recalling that the automobile industry in Nigeria performed well with increasing local content up to 1986, he attributed the decline to lack of adequate engineering infrastructure and patronage of local products, as well as? low traffic on imported? vehicles, among others.
LEADERSHIP WEEKEND gathered that the industry was established in 1999 by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, but it was not commissioned for operation. ?
Since then the offices have been under lock and key, while it also serves as a hideout for?? miscreants.
Speaking on this development, Mr. Chris Anana, a stakeholder in the state, however, appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to resuscitate the plant as a means of providing employment for Niger Delta youths.
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