FG, Innoson Partner to Boost Youth Industrial Training and Job Creation

Maryam Aminu

The Federal Government has announced plans to collaborate with Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) to strengthen youth industrial training, apprenticeship, and enterprise development across Nigeria, with a focus on the automotive and allied sectors.

This was revealed during a working visit by the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, to the Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing factory in Nnewi, Anambra State, on Monday, October 7, 2025. The Minister was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, and other senior officials.

The delegation was received by Chief Innocent Chukwuma (OFR), Chairman and CEO of the Innoson Group, whom the Minister described as a symbol of innovation, resilience, and patriotism.

He praised Innoson’s contributions to Nigeria’s industrial growth, highlighting its pioneering efforts in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicle production, tractor assembly, and local manufacturing initiatives that continue to create sustainable employment for young Nigerians.

During the factory tour, Comrade Olawande interacted with several young Nigerians undergoing technical training and apprenticeship under the Innoson Skills Programme.

He particularly commended two young women who have excelled as auto-technicians, describing their success stories as “proof that youth empowerment through skills acquisition is a powerful tool for national transformation.”

Following the visit, the Ministry and Innoson agreed to deepen collaboration to scale up industrial skills programmes, promote enterprise development, and expand access to practical training opportunities for young people nationwide.

In Anambra, the Minister also held discussions with the State Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Patrick Agha Mba, on strengthening cooperation between federal and state governments under the “1 Youth, 2 Skills” initiative. Both leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to equipping young Nigerians with the technical and entrepreneurial capacities needed to drive innovation, productivity, and self-reliance.