Innoson to Establish CNG Assembly Plant in Bayelsa

Nigeria’s leading indigenous vehicle manufacturer, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) Limited, has announced plans to establish a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) assembly plant in Bayelsa State.

The company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, disclosed this on Monday during a courtesy visit to Governor Douye Diri at the Government House, Yenagoa.

Chief Chukwuma said the investment would strengthen the state’s transportation sector, provide training opportunities, and create employment for residents. He added that the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s clean energy transition and the national renewable energy targets for 2030.

In a presentation, the company’s Corporate Communications Manager, Mr. Kamsi Ejiofor, explained that the proposed plant would assemble CNG-powered buses, ambulances, and other vehicles to improve mobility and public service delivery.

According to him, the project is expected to generate over 1,000 direct jobs and several indirect opportunities in vehicle assembly, logistics, maintenance, and local manufacturing.

“The use of CNG vehicles will cut fuel and maintenance costs, improve air quality, and position Bayelsa as a clean energy and technology hub,” Ejiofor said.

Responding, Governor Douye Diri commended the Innoson team for choosing Bayelsa as the site for the CNG conversion plant, describing the move as a major step toward industrial growth and economic diversification.

“This initiative is timely. Our government had already projected the procurement of CNG buses in the 2026 budget. We are ready to collaborate fully with Innoson to make this a reality,” Diri said.

He assured the company of the state’s readiness to provide a conducive environment for investment through improved infrastructure, peace, and stable power supply.

The governor also announced the formation of an implementation committee to interface with the company. The committee is chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, with members including the Commissioners for Trade and Investment, Information, Finance, Justice, and Transport, among others.

Governor Diri urged other investors to emulate Innoson’s initiative, noting that his administration remains committed to transitioning Bayelsa’s economy from consumption to production.

Daniel Alabrah
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
October 13, 2025