We are discussing with Innosson, others on local production of ventilators – FG

The federal government has opened discussions with Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company and other key indigenous vehicle manufacturing companies with a view to producing ventilators in the country. This was revealed by the Honorable Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment, Niyi Adebayo. DAILYTRUST newspapers reports

The minister, who updated journalists on COVID-19 pandemic and its implications for the manufacturing sector in Abuja, said the government received a proposal from Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company to produce ventilators and similar proposals had been submitted by other indigenous auto manufacturers and that the various proposals are being considered.

“We are also engaging our indigenous car manufacturers at this time to prepare them to tweak their operations to begin the manufacture of ‘Made in Nigeria’ ventilators – critical medical equipment in the fight against the virus,” he said.

On what the ministry is doing to curtail the pandemic’s negative impact on the manufacturing, trade and related sectors of the economy, the minister said the ministry had last month set up a committee on “the sustainable production and delivery of essential commodities” during the COVID-19 pandemic, amongst others.

Adebayo said the ministry had been collaborating with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN); the Nigerian Association of Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA); Nigerian Traders Association (NANTS); and other relevant stakeholders to guarantee unhindered production of essential items like food, medical and pharmaceutical products.