Controversy Erupts as Anambra Government Demolishes Sections of Innoson Motors Headquarters in Nnewi

 

A wave of confusion and concern has swept through the industrial city of Nnewi, Anambra State, following the partial demolition of the Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) headquarters by the state government. The incident, which unfolded on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, has sparked heated responses from the indigenous carmaker and raised questions about the transparency and planning behind the state's urban development efforts.

The demolition, carried out without prior notification according to IVM officials, affected significant portions of the company’s administrative infrastructure — including the perimeter fence, office sections, staircases, and the brand’s main showroom. The timing and execution of the operation have triggered a strong reaction from the company and its supporters, given Innoson’s symbolic status as Nigeria’s pioneer indigenous automaker.

Mr. Cornel Osigwe, Head of Corporate Communications at Innoson Group, expressed shock and dismay over the government’s approach. Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), he noted that no official warning or timeline was communicated before the demolition machinery arrived. More disturbingly, he said, staff members were actively working in the affected buildings when the demolition commenced.

“Our people were inside the building working when the bulldozers arrived. It was chaotic,” Osigwe recalled. “Some of our staff were trapped inside the structure, and it took frantic efforts by colleagues to rescue them. We also had over 20 vehicles trapped in the showroom.”

While a public service announcement had reportedly gone out the previous day, indicating that buildings marked for demolition along the road corridor had a week to vacate, Osigwe insisted that IVM was never formally notified or given a chance to respond.

“What’s even more confusing is that other nearby buildings which were marked for demolition were spared during this round,” he added, suggesting that the targeting of Innoson’s facility may not have been purely coincidental.

Despite this suspicion, Osigwe stopped short of labeling the action as a political witch-hunt. He acknowledged the company’s previously cordial relationship with Governor Charles Soludo’s administration, emphasizing that IVM has been a consistent supporter of the Anambra State government, just as Soludo has championed the use of locally-made vehicles.

“This action, however, raises questions. If the government truly values what Innoson stands for — as the governor has shown in the past — then perhaps this wasn’t fully authorized at the highest level, or maybe the demolition team had its own agenda,” he said.

In response, the Anambra State Commissioner for Works, Mr. Ifeanyi Okoma, dismissed claims of bias or poor communication. Speaking via telephone to NAN on Thursday, he defended the demolition as a necessary part of an ongoing state-wide road expansion initiative designed to ease traffic congestion during peak seasons and festivals.

“These buildings were marked as far back as December or January,” Okoma explained. “This isn’t about targeting individuals or businesses. Even churches and private homes are affected — no one is exempt. The aim is to open up key transportation corridors for the greater good.”

He further lauded Governor Soludo as a dedicated promoter of Nigerian-made products, especially automobiles. “Soludo remains the only governor in Nigeria who exclusively uses made-in-Nigeria vehicles. Innoson is our pride. This action isn’t a slight against the company but part of a wider urban renewal vision,” he said.

As the dust settles on the demolished site, questions remain about procedural fairness, the protection of indigenous enterprises, and the state’s communication strategy around infrastructural projects. For many observers, the incident has not only highlighted the tension between development and industrial protection but also the need for clearer processes that balance both interests.

For now, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing is assessing the extent of the damage, while stakeholders in Anambra and beyond watch closely to see how the state government addresses the fallout from the controversial demolition.