Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, said the Federal Government is committed to supporting local investors in the country with necessary assistance.

Oduwole stated this yesterday, during a tour of the electric assembling vehicle plant by Saglev in Lagos. She said the government would ensure the trade facilitation process is easy for investors as an important aspect of developing any economy.

Oduwole said the Nigeria First Policy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was aimed at supporting investors. She said she was focused on Nigerian investors and putting them first to ensure they survive.

“This is my first time in this capacity, visiting an EV plant and just to see the dexterity, the range of products available, this is affordable, this is sustainable, this is what can jumpstart our transportation, logistics, businesses.

“From a business perspective, the affordable vehicles under 20 million naira, there are also credit opportunities, and so that’s another thing that young Nigerians can look at. We talked about the transportation business, Uber drivers, Bolt and how they can lease vehicles like this, and they have the track record through technology to prove to their banks.

“We import and we also are leading in exports, particularly to the rest of Africa. So, with trade facilitation, we continue to work. The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has implemented several reforms,” she said.

Chief Executive Officer, SAGLEV, Dr Sam Faleye, said the assembling plant can assemble 2500 electric vehicles yearly, stating that the company still battles with challenges of importation of parts.

“I am not a critic of the government because I just don’t do it if it is not productive. I want to focus on the positives,” he said.