ROXETTES Motors is on the verge of commencing vehicle assembly operations in Abia State, with the construction of its assembly plant at Obu-Aku City in Ukwa West Local Government Area nearing completion. The plant is expected to begin operations by the end of October 2024, with all necessary equipment anticipated to arrive by the end of August 2024.
Chief Executive Officer of ROXETTES Motors, Arc. Dr. Kaycee Orji, an Abia native, announced the progress during a meeting with Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti on June 28. Dr. Orji credited the rapid advancement of the project to the support and enabling environment provided by Governor Otti, who had encouraged the establishment of the plant in Abia State.
Dr. Orji expressed his gratitude to Governor Otti, stating, “I told you of my plans to have an assembly plant, and you asked me to bring it to Abia. I am very grateful to your Excellency for the very peaceful business atmosphere you have created in Abia. Everything you promised us, you have fulfilled.”
He highlighted the swift governmental support, noting, “Your Excellency promised us land where we would build the assembly plant, and in less than a month, you gave us an offer letter and Certificate of Occupancy. Construction is seriously ongoing at Obu-Aku City, which we call Eco-Drive Green Tech Metropolis, as we plan to undertake numerous initiatives within that space.”
The assembly plant is poised to produce approximately 40,000 units of automobiles annually, with 70% of the production focusing on innovative products such as electric vehicles and CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) driven vehicles. Dr. Orji emphasized the importance of sustainable energy, stating, “The world is migrating to sustainable energy, and we don’t want to sit back and watch. We considered Abia as the most favorable environment to start because of the current leadership.”
The plant will also feature a CNG conversion line, enabling the conversion of any vehicle to CNG, which is a cheaper and cleaner energy alternative. Dr. Orji described Obu-Aku City as a strategic business location with access to natural gas lines, providing an added advantage.
Dr. Orji announced the imminent arrival of CNG generators from China, intended to alleviate the demands on the national grid. The assembly plant is expected to create over one thousand jobs for Abians. During the meeting, Dr. Orji presented a prototype of their vehicle model, already assembled abroad, to Governor Otti.
Governor Otti expressed his delight at the progress and the potential for moving from assembly to full production. He stated, “We love that the vehicles are assembled here, but we will be happier if we begin to manufacture them here. The important thing is that you couple all the parts together in a particular location, with an emblem that says this vehicle is manufactured in Nigeria.”
Governor Otti also emphasized the significance of local content and backward integration, highlighting the creativity of local artisans in Aba. He announced plans to build a dual carriageway from the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway to Obu-Aku City to improve access to the plant.
Governor Otti further announced the state’s intention to increase its equity in the project and place orders for vehicles from ROXETTES Motors. “We strongly believe that a major part of our problem is our heavy dependence on imports. By encouraging local production, we can alleviate pressure on foreign exchange and strengthen the economy,” he said.
He called on other investors with big dreams to come to Abia State, assuring them of the state’s support. Dr. Orji was accompanied by popular Nollywood actor Ofia Mbaka, an ambassador for ROXETTES Motors.
