Ambode Unveils Smartphone Assembly Plant in Lagos

Emma Okonji

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has unveiled the AfriOne assembly plant, which has the capacity to assemble Nigerian-made smartphones in large quantities.

The mobile phone plant, which was launched in Lagos recently, also has the capacity to manufacture and assemble mobile phone accessories.

The governor, who was represented at the unveiling by the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Olufemi Odubiyi, commended the management of AfriOne for the courage to build smartphone plant in Lagos, and pledged the commitment of the state to provide the necessary support that would enable AfriOne thrive in smartphone manufacturing and assembly business in Lagos and beyond.

According to Ambode, the siting of the plant in Lagos, would promote job opportunities for the youths as well as enhance skills training and development among students in tertiary institutions, as the state has partnered AfriOne to train students from tertiary institutions in the state.

“Our resolve as a state is to develop our youths through technology skills and the partnership with AfriOne, will help achieve the goal of the state,” Ambode said.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of AfriOne, Mr. Sahir Berry, said he was delighted to locate the smartphone assembling plant in Lagos, and thanked the Governor for the support that AfriOne received from the state.

AfriOne would soon launch its Nigerian-made smartphone brand and other consumer devices, which will be a technological breakthrough and precedent for the enterprise and Nigeria’s huge population, Berry said.

With headquarters in Lagos, Berry explained that AfriOne would serve as a pioneer in the manufacture and assembly of high-end communications technology smartphones in the African space.