- FG Partners Local Vehicle Manufacturers to Produce Ventilators
The Federal Government has partnered local vehicle manufacturers to commence the production of ventilators in the country, according to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo.
According to the minister, the government had opened discussions with Innoson Vehicles Manufacturing Company and other key indigenous vehicle manufacturing firms to start producing ventilators in Nigeria.
“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.
The ministry had last month set up a committee on “the sustainable production and delivery of essential commodities” during the #COVIDー19 pandemic, amongst others.
It should be recalled that the Federal Government through the Ministry of Finance had approached Elon Musk for assistance regarding extra ventilators after the billionaire tweeted that he had extra FDA approved ventilators.
The tweet was later deleted after Nigerians on twitter attacked the government for begging for something as cheap as ventilators despite the nation’s resources.
Adebayo, however, stated that the ministry has now working 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 ensure continuous production of essential items like food, pharmaceutical and medical products.