Get Guardian on GoogleFormer President Goodluck Jonathan has commended the federal government for granting import duty waivers to support the establishment of Zeetin Technologies’ cargo tricycle assembly factory in Abuja.
Jonathan spoke on Wednesday while commissioning the factory in Idu, Abuja, where he described the government’s support as commendable.
“I understand that the federal government supported the establishment of this plant by granting duty-free imports. That is how it should be, and it is quite commendable,” he said.
Jonathan delivered the remarks as chairman of the occasion.
Azibaola Robert, chairman of Zeetin Technologies, said the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service and the Federal Ministry of Finance, facilitated the import duty waivers.
Robert thanked the government for the support, adding that the company planned to increase local production of components over the next two years.
He said between 70 and 90 percent of the parts used in the company’s products would be produced locally within that period.
The factory’s commissioning marks a step in the company’s efforts to expand automobile assembly and engineering in Nigeria.
At the event, Zeetin Technologies unveiled two cargo tricycle product lines, the VZ150 and VZ200 series, under a franchise arrangement with Indonesia’s Viar Motors.
The company also announced plans to introduce electric, gas-powered and solar-powered models in the future.
Zeetin Technologies said it was focused on the automotive sector and intended to contribute to local manufacturing and the development of Nigeria’s automobile industry.
The commissioning was attended by dignitaries, including Mrs Nenadi Usman, national chairperson of Labour Party.
The dignitaries expressed support for the company and its plans to expand local production.
