By Our Reporter
In an effort to reposition Enugu State as a premier destination for investment, Governor Peter Mbah has flagged off the Stallion Vehicle Assembly Plant and Automotive Infrastructure, saying the initiative was part of the administration’s effort to transition the state from a consumer-based to a production-driven economy.

Performing the symbolic foundation-laying ceremony on Wednesday in Owo community, alongside the Group Managing Director of Stallion Group, Mr. Mahesh Vaswani, and other dignitaries including Dr. Obi Ozor, Pharm. Chika Ugwuoke, Dr. Malachy Agbo, Mrs. Ngozi Enih and Hon Patrick Ubru, commissioners for transport, labour and employment, poverty eradication, children, gender and social development, and agriculture and agro-industrialization, respectively, Governor Mbah described the investment as a strategic step in the state’s journey towards industrialization, innovation, and inclusive economic transformation.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the governor stated that the plant would initially assemble and deliver 2,000 hybrid sedans, with plans to begin bus assembly in the near future.

According to him, “Today’s groundbreaking marks the beginning of a new industrial era. Through our partnership with Stallion MG Automobiles Ltd – globally respected brand with decades of automotive experience – we are launching a state-supported programme to assemble and deliver 2,000 hybrid sedans, with plans to expand into bus production.”

Stressing that the plant would create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, such as engineers, service technicians, administrative staff, logistics providers, and retail partners, the governor said that the vehicles would support clean energy initiatives and serve as part of the youth empowerment taxi scheme for dignified employment.

“It will also serve as a training ground for the next generation of automotive engineers, with clear frameworks for technology transfer and skills development. Beyond job creation, we see this plant as a catalyst for something bigger; positioning Enugu as the automotive hub of the South East, Nigeria, and the wider West African region,” he added.

Governor Mbah thanked the Stallion Group for the partnership and trust in the state, reiterating his administration’s vision to transform Enugu, empower its people, strengthen the economy, and promote local productivity with global relevance.

He also encouraged young people in the state to seize the opportunity to acquire skills in the automotive industry and become global players, while expressing appreciation to the host community and stakeholders for their support and collaboration.

Speaking earlier, the commissioners for transportation, as well as the commissioner for children, gender and social development commended the project, noting that it aligns with the state’s climate policy and action plan, which aim to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality.

They appreciated the host community for embracing the project, urging them to protect the infrastructure and cooperate with the company.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Nkanu East Local Government Area, Hon. Okechukwu Edeh, praised the governor for the bold reforms undertaken over the past two years, which he said were already attracting local and foreign investors to the state.

He assured that the council would continue to provide an enabling environment for investors and called for more investment opportunities in the local government area.

Describing the assembly plant as more than a launch, the Group Managing Director of Stallion Group said the project reflects a shared vision of innovation, collaboration, and economic growth for both Enugu State and Nigeria.

“We thank His Excellency for partnering with us to advance the automotive development plant and for his vision of a clean, efficient transport system. This collaboration will enhance transport infrastructure, create jobs, and place Enugu on the map in Africa’s auto industry,” Mr. Vaswani stated.

He further stressed that the project aligned with the state’s renewable energy goals and green innovation strategy, as well as President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to encourage local manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports.