By Nkechi Eze
The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engineer David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, has received high commendation from the Executive Chairman of Innoson Group, Chief (Dr.) Innocent Chukwuma, CON, over what he described as the far-reaching transformation of Nigeria’s road infrastructure under the Minister’s leadership.
Chief Chukwuma gave the commendation on Thursday during a courtesy visit to Senator Umahi at the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Works in Abuja, where he praised the Minister’s exceptional leadership acumen and the visible progress recorded in the construction, rehabilitation, and expansion of road networks across the country.
In an official statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations of the Ministry, Mohammed Ahmed, the Innoson Group Chairman noted that the scale and quality of ongoing and completed road projects are steadily reshaping Nigeria’s connectivity landscape, stimulating economic activities and improving the overall quality of life of citizens in both urban and rural communities.
According to him, the impact of Senator Umahi’s leadership is not only evident at the national level but also deeply rooted in the South-East, particularly in Ebonyi State, where he previously served as Governor.
“Even a first-time visitor to Ebonyi State cannot fail to notice the remarkable progress made during your tenure as Governor,” Chief Chukwuma said. “We most sincerely appreciate your leadership, tremendous efforts, and their effects.”
He described the Honourable Minister as a visionary leader whose practical approach to governance continues to deliver tangible results, adding that Nigeria is currently witnessing a new era of infrastructure-driven development under his stewardship.
Chief Chukwuma also expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for appointing Senator Umahi as Minister of Works, describing the decision as inspired and timely.
“This appointment is truly a case of a round peg in a round hole,” he said, noting that the positive outcomes of the choice are already evident nationwide in the scale, pace, and quality of road infrastructure delivery.
Responding, Senator Umahi described Chief Chukwuma as a patriotic Nigerian and one of the country’s foremost industrialists who exemplify courage, vision, and unwavering belief in Nigeria’s potential.
He commended the Innoson Group Chairman for his long-standing commitment to domestic manufacturing, youth empowerment, and national development, noting that such homegrown industrial investments remain critical to Nigeria’s quest for economic diversification and self-reliance.
“Chief Chukwuma represents a class of Nigerians who strongly believe in this country and are willing to take bold risks to drive growth and industrial advancement,” the Minister said.
The visit also provided an opportunity for Chief Chukwuma to highlight major milestones in the operations of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) Company, which he described as one of the largest employers of labour in Africa, sustaining thousands of families through direct and indirect employment.
He disclosed that in 2026 alone, the company plans to employ nearly 2,000 additional workers following the establishment of a new factory dedicated to the production of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks and electric vehicles.
Further underscoring Innoson Group’s expansion drive, the Chairman announced the near-completion of a Compressed Natural Gas Vehicle Manufacturing Plant, described as one of the largest of its kind in the world, with an installed capacity to produce 3,000 CNG units annually across six different categories of vehicles.
He explained that the facility, which will be equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, is expected to be completed within the next few months and will commence operations shortly thereafter.
In addition, Chief Chukwuma revealed that the factory will be supported by a robust technical training scheme aimed at equipping young Nigerians with practical, industry-relevant skills, offering employment opportunities upon completion or certification for work elsewhere.
According to him, the initiative will not only strengthen Nigeria’s industrial workforce but also productively engage the youth and contribute significantly to reducing insecurity.
He noted that the project aligns squarely with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration and disclosed that the President is expected to commission the facility upon completion.
An invitation was formally extended to Senator Umahi to attend the commissioning ceremony, an offer the Minister gladly accepted, describing the project as a landmark achievement that reinforces the importance of synergy between government and the private sector in driving sustainable national development.
