By Princess Joy Aideyan
In a nation desperate for industrial heroes, one would think an indigenous company like Innoson Motors would be celebrated, protected, and elevated as a national treasure. Instead, we wake up to the disheartening sight of bulldozers tearing down part of its facility in Nnewi — a move that raises more questions than answers.
Yes, the Anambra State Government has cited legal justifications: encroachment on the federal highway right-of-way, enforcement of urban planning codes, and prior notices. But let’s not kid ourselves — the optics are terrible. When a government chooses to demolish part of Nigeria’s first indigenous car manufacturer’s premises, it sends a chilling message, not just to Innoson, but to every local entrepreneur: “Your success might not protect you.”
This isn’t just about setbacks and highway codes. It’s about perception, about priorities, and about the broader narrative. Innoson Motors isn’t just a private business. It’s a symbol — a proof that a Nigerian company can manufacture vehicles, create jobs, boost the economy, and challenge the monopoly of foreign automakers. If there’s any battle worth fighting, it should be to protect and empower such a brand, not to diminish it.
Governor Soludo may claim there’s no rift. But demolitions, no matter how procedurally sound, speak louder than press statements. The state could have found alternative resolutions — especially given Innoson’s strategic role in the state’s economy and its previous alignment with government policies. Is this how we treat our own?
If Innoson Motors had been a multinational corporation, would the approach have been the same? Would there be a more diplomatic process? One can only wonder.
What Nigeria needs now is not just foreign investment — we need to nurture the seeds we’ve already planted. Innoson Motors deserves more than bulldozers. It deserves respect, strategic support, and national pride.
Because if we do not defend our own, who will?
