Former 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.
Speaking on Wednesday at the factory’s commissioning in Idu, Abuja, Jonathan praised the government’s support.
“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 its support, adding that the company planned to increase local component production over the next two years.
He said that between 70 and 90 per cent 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 automotive 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 automotive industry.
The commissioning was attended by dignitaries, including Mrs Nenadi Usman, national chairperson of the Labour Party.
The dignitaries expressed support for the company and its plans to expand local production.
