The proposal by the National Population Commission (NPC) to purchase imported vehicles for the conduct of the 2016 population census has been rejected by President Goodluck Jonathan.
The NPC, in a memo presented before the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting yesterday, had sought approval for the purchase of 40 Utility vehicles as part of its preparation for the forthcoming census.
Briefing State House correspondents after the meeting, the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, said although the Federal Executive Council approved the purchase of the vehicles, the President kicked against the plan to import the vehicles and instead directed that they be purchased from indigenous manufacturers.
According to the minister, the presidential directive is aimed not only at boosting local production, but also encouraging indigenous manufacturers.
The minister added that the initiative would also help in creating more jobs for Nigerians.
Maku said: “The National Population Commission brought a memo for the purchase of utility vehicles. This was approved, but the president directed that all the vehicles should be purchased locally from indigenous manufacturers”.
To this end, the minister noted that the contract would be given to the Nnewi-based Innoson Motors Vehicle Manufacturing Company, which was supported by the Bank of Industry (BoI).
Kudos my president, really Ƴѳu̶̲̥̅̊ α̲̅я̩̥̊ε̲̣̣̣̥ using ϔ☺ΰя̩̥̊ number 6. Let’s all encourage our local company’s
Ennnn !!! I must be very honest Goodluck your are beginning to surprise me, this is what I have always expected of a president. By Gods power if all these effort are truly sincere I will walk by your side. Please also ensure that government organisation reduce or stop the use of other imported vehicles as well. They should revert to using Peugeot (PAN) as well. We also have people making motor cycles, as one was recently posted on this site. Please they should be encouraged.
I pray it should b true