The Anambra State Government has torn down part of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing’s (IVM) head office in Nnewi, a move that has upset the company.
Mr. Cornel Osigwe, the Head of Corporate Communications at Innoson Group, expressed shock over the demolition, which took place without any prior notice on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria, Osigwe said, “We were caught off guard. There was no notification that the building was marked for demolition. If there was, we should have been given time to relocate.”
Reports indicated that the demolition happened while staff were working, leaving some trapped inside. Additionally, over 20 vehicles were affected.
Osigwe questioned why nearby buildings, also marked for demolition, were left untouched. He speculated that there might be an underlying motive for targeting their office.
“Other marked buildings near us were spared. This makes us wonder if there is another reason behind this action,” Osigwe stated.
When asked about possible political motives, Osigwe doubted that the state government deliberately targeted the company, as Governor Charles Soludo has been a known supporter of IVM.
“Governor Soludo has been a strong advocate for Innoson and has supported the company. However, the way the demolition happened raises questions about whether someone involved has personal grievances,” he said.
In response, Anambra State’s Commissioner for Works, Mr. Ifeanyi Okoma, justified the demolition, stating it was part of a broader plan to ease traffic in the area.
Okoma explained that all affected buildings were marked months ago, and the owners were notified. He emphasized that the demolition was not targeted at any specific individual or organization.
“Buildings were marked as far back as December or January. Even structures belonging to religious groups, such as the Catholic Church, are not exempt. This is a major project aimed at addressing traffic congestion,” he explained.
The Commissioner further defended the state government, saying, “Governor Soludo exclusively uses vehicles made in Nigeria, and Chief Innoson is a valued partner. Anyone spreading false narratives about this project is not being fair.”
