- Nigeria auto makers to supply jets fighting Boko Haram
- Partnership with Nigerian Air Force is good for business amid wave of patriotism
(CNN)The grinding conflict between the Nigerian state and Boko Haram insurgents has exacted a devastating human and economic toll over the past six years.
But for Nigeria’s first car manufacturer, the crisis may represent an opportunity.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) recently announced a partnership deal with Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM), which will see the company supply spare parts for jets conducting airstrikes against the insurgents.
“The ingenious effort by IVM is instrumental to the continued operation of the Alpha Jets,” NAF spokesperson Ayodele Famuyiwa said of the deal. “IVM helped to save the day when help was not forthcoming from abroad.”
Friends in high places
The air force reached out to Innoson in 2015, as it faced increasing difficulty with the import of vital parts such as brake pads. The deal was struck after a series of site visits around the country.
“The army came to our factories in many states,” says Innoson spokesperson Cornel Osigwe. “They saw we had the capacity.”
