Innocent Chukwuma

Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma (ⓘCON ; born 1 October 1961) is a Nigerian business magnate ,investor and industrialist. He is the founder and chief executive officer of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, (IVM) Nigeria's first indigenous automobile manufacturing company.

Early life

Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma was born on 1 October 1961 in Uru-Udim, Nnewi, in present-day Anambra State, Nigeria. He was born into the family of Chukwuma Mojekwu, a civil servant, and Martina Chukwuma, a homemaker. He is the youngest of six children, comprising four males and two females.

Education

Chukwuma completed his secondary education in 1978 and aspired to study engineering at university. However, he did not meet the required admission cut-off mark. While awaiting further opportunities, he joined his elder brother, Gabriel Chukwuma, to assist in managing a pharmaceutical business.

Career

Chukwuma began his business career through an apprenticeship under Chief Romanus Eze Onwuka, a motorcycle spare parts dealer in Nnewi market. After completing his apprenticeship in 1980, he returned to work with his brother and co-founded a trading business, Gabros International, with initial capital support from his brother.

In the early 1980s, he expanded into the importation and distribution of motorcycle spare parts, a growing sector in southeastern Nigeria. His business strategy included importing motorcycle components in semi-knocked-down form and assembling them locally, which enabled him to reduce costs and increase market competitiveness.

This expansion led to the establishment of manufacturing ventures, including plastics production, which later evolved into part of the broader Innoson Group. In 2007, he founded Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM), headquartered in Nnewi, which is regarded as Nigeria's first indigenous automobile manufacturing company.

IVM produces a range of vehicles, including buses, trucks, and utility vehicles, and has supplied vehicles to various government agencies, including the Nigerian Army and Police.

Chukwuma has also been involved in business and political initiatives. In 2013, he served as deputy chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Coalition for Jonathan/Sambo Presidency, a political support group for then-president Goodluck Jonathan.

His company has received patronage from several Nigerian state governments, and has expanded production capabilities, including the development of compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered vehicles.

Personal life

Chukwuma is married to Ebele Chukwuma, and they have children. He resides in Anambra State, Nigeria.

Innoson Group and subsidiaries

The Innoson Group comprises several companies operating across manufacturing and industrial sectors:

• Innoson Nigeria Limited, based in Nnewi, manufactures motorcycles, tricycles, and related spare parts.
• Innoson Technical and Industrial Company Limited, located in Enugu, produces plastic products, industrial components, and household goods.
• Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM), headquartered in Nnewi, manufactures buses, trucks, and utility vehicles.
• General Tyres and Tubes Company Limited, based in Enugu, produces tyres and tubes.

Legal disputes

Chukwuma has been involved in a legal dispute with Guaranty Trust Bank. In 2017, he filed a lawsuit seeking damages over financial and reputational claims. The case has undergone multiple legal proceedings, including appeals.

Awards and honours

Chukwuma has received several awards and recognitions for his contributions to manufacturing and entrepreneurship in Nigeria. These include:

• Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR)
• Commander Of The Order Of The Niger (CON), conferred in 2022 by President Muhammadu Buhari
• Industry and entrepreneurship awards from organisations such as the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and the Enugu Chamber of Commerce