•Gov. Peter Mbah (l) being briefed by Bennett Ejindu (m), while Uche Okeke watches. Behind Ejindu is the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Chika Ugwuoke
The Enugu State Government has stated its desire to reposition the Anambra Motor Manufacturing Company (ANAMMCO), based in Enugu, to upscale its economic relevance in the state.
The State Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Mr Chika Ugwuoke, made the pledge after Gov. Peter Mbah took a facility tour of the ANAMMCO vehicles production facilities on Thursday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports ANAMMCO was conceived by the Federal Government of Nigeria under the Second National Development Plan (1970-1975).
Addressing newsmen, Ugwuoke said the essence of the tour was to have a first-hand assessment of the company’s production and after sales support capacity.
Ugwoke said the governor’s unparalleled passion for infrastructural development for his state was ever ready to collaborate with the private sector in the actualisation of his development goals.
“He simply concluded that ANAMMCO will soon bounce back to its days of serial and concerted vehicles production,” Ugwuoke said.
Earlier, the ANAMMCO Chief Operating Officer, Mr Ben Ejindu, said that Enugu State was a stakeholder in ANAMMCO and that the current administration led by Mbah was poised to integrate the firm in its rapid strategic transformation plan of the state.
Ejindu said that ANAMMCO had the potential to give employment to the teeming masses at every stratum for manpower.
He added that the company was one of the greatest assets of Enugu state and as such Gov. Mbah would ensure that it becomes more operational.
“Enugu State is a stakeholder and host state of ANAMMCO. The firm has the potential of giving employment to middle, low and high level manpower within the state.”
He stressed that Mbah was interested to ensuring that ANAMMCO was re-positioned to provide robust comprehensive auto sector services to the state and its residents.
Also commenting on the tour, Mr Uche Okeke, a Director in the company, said that the visit was a major step in the right direction for the state in harnessing the huge potential of ANAMMCO.
“The collaboration will provide cost effective Mass transit solutions, boost employment rates and will guarantee youth empowerment through relevant skills development,” he said.
The company was incorporated in Jan. 17, 1977, and its factory inaugurated on July 8, 1980 by the first executive President of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Shagari while its commercial production of trucks began in Januar, 1981.
The incorporation of ANAMMCO was the fulfilment of a joint venture agreement between Nigeria and Daimler AG of Germany, which became the pioneer technical partner and co-shareholder.
