In a landmark step towards economic transformation, Governor Peter Mbah has officially launched the Stallion Vehicle Assembly Plant in Owo, Enugu State, signaling a bold shift from a consumer-based economy to a production-driven one. The foundation-laying ceremony, attended by key stakeholders including Stallion Group’s Group Managing Director, Mr. Mahesh Vaswani, marked the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at positioning Enugu as a major hub for automotive innovation in Nigeria and West Africa.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Governor Mbah described the initiative as a cornerstone of his administration’s industrialization agenda. He announced that the plant will commence operations with the assembly of 2,000 hybrid sedans and plans to expand into bus production. The facility is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs across various sectors including engineering, logistics, retail, and administration.
The governor emphasized that beyond employment, the plant will serve as a training ground for future automotive engineers, supporting clean energy goals and the state’s youth empowerment taxi scheme. He praised the Stallion Group for its confidence in the state and reaffirmed his commitment to building a globally competitive economy through innovation, investment, and inclusive growth.
Commissioners present at the event, including Dr. Obi Ozor and Pharm. Chika Ugwuoke, highlighted the alignment of the project with Enugu’s climate action plan, pointing to its potential to cut carbon emissions and improve public health. They lauded the host community’s warm reception of the project and urged continued cooperation to safeguard the new infrastructure.
Chairman of Nkanu East LGA, Hon. Okechukwu Edeh, also commended Governor Mbah’s reform-driven leadership, noting that the plant is a testament to the state’s growing attractiveness to investors. He pledged ongoing support from the council to ensure a favorable business environment and encouraged more investment in the region.
Speaking on behalf of the Stallion Group, Mr. Vaswani described the plant as a shared vision for growth and innovation. He applauded the Enugu State government for its forward-thinking policies and noted the alignment of the project with both the state’s green development agenda and the federal government’s Renewed Hope Initiative to boost local manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports.
