Nigeria’s indigenous automobile manufacturer, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) Limited, has announced plans to set up a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicle assembly plant in Bayelsa State.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, made this known on Monday during a courtesy visit to Governor Douye Diri at the Government House, Yenagoa.
Chief Chukwuma said the planned investment is aimed at boosting the state’s transportation system, creating employment opportunities, and promoting technical capacity development for Bayelsa youths. He explained that the establishment of the CNG plant will not only reduce dependence on petrol but also contribute to a cleaner environment and support Nigeria’s renewable energy transition agenda in line with the 2030 targets.
Also speaking, the company’s Corporate Communications Manager, Mr. Kamsi Ejiofor, stated that the project would involve the production of modern CNG-powered buses, ambulances, and other utility vehicles to enhance public mobility and efficiency across the state.
Ejiofor disclosed that the plant is expected to generate about 1,000 direct jobs and several thousand indirect opportunities in areas such as assembly, maintenance, logistics, and local component manufacturing. He noted that the initiative would significantly strengthen Bayelsa’s industrial base and economic growth.
“The use of CNG vehicles will drastically reduce transportation costs, improve air quality, and promote innovation in Bayelsa. It will position the state as a clean energy and technology leader in Nigeria,” Ejiofor added.
In his response, Governor Douye Diri commended Chief Chukwuma for choosing Bayelsa as the site for the new CNG plant, describing the decision as a welcome development that aligns with his administration’s industrialization agenda.
The governor expressed the readiness of his government to partner with Innoson to ensure the successful execution of the project. He noted that the procurement of CNG vehicles was already captured in the state’s 2026 budget projection, emphasizing that the investment was timely and strategic.
Diri assured the Innoson team that the state government was providing the necessary infrastructure, peace, and security to attract and sustain investments.
“It is a welcome development for a CNG plant to be located in Bayelsa. The world is moving towards renewable energy, and our government is ready to key into this transition. We are creating an enabling environment with stable power and improved infrastructure,” he said.
To facilitate implementation, the governor announced a committee headed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, to interface with IVM. Other members include the Commissioners for Trade and Investment, Information, Finance, Justice, Transport, General Duties, and Special Advisers on Investment and Entrepreneurship.
