FG to invest in made-in-Nigeria vehicles – NADDC Chief
The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to significantly boost the nation’s automotive industry by investing in vehicles manufactured or assembled within the country. This strategic move was revealed by Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, the Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), during an inspection visit to Lanre Shittu Motors in Lagos.
Osanipin shared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prioritize the purchase of domestically produced vehicles. This directive aligns with the government’s broader goal to support and develop the local automotive industry, which in turn is expected to drive economic growth and create jobs.
“The first support is patronage, and that is what we have seen. It is not only the government but all Nigerians. The first support we are asking for is from all Nigerians,” Osanipin said. He emphasized the success already seen in the truck business, where most new trucks on the road today are assembled in Nigeria and have been well-received by Nigerians. “Can we now start taking it further by doing so with buses? Yes, it’ll be easier with buses. People investing in buses are not doing it for luxury; they’re investing to make more money. They’ll be cautious of downtime. If it can go down with trucks, let Nigerians embrace buses as well.”
The government’s commitment goes beyond mere encouragement. President Tinubu has mandated that any submission for vehicle acquisition by MDAs must specify vehicles manufactured or assembled in Nigeria, particularly those running on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). This policy not only supports the local automotive sector but also aligns with Nigeria’s environmental goals by promoting cleaner energy sources.
During his visit to Lanre Shittu Motors, Osanipin expressed his satisfaction with the progress made in the local assembly processes. “We came here to look at the process because we have been talking about building capacity and then doing full Semi-knock down (SKD). We have the plan to transition from SKD to Complete Knock Down (CKD),” he explained. Osanipin highlighted the impressive work being done, especially noting the assembly of pickup trucks, where the frame and other components are locally fabricated.
Osanipin’s call for Nigerian support extends to all citizens, urging them to embrace locally manufactured or assembled vehicles. This move is not only about supporting the local economy but also about fostering a sense of national pride and self-reliance.
The NADDC’s vision includes enhancing the capabilities of local manufacturers to ensure that Nigerian-made vehicles meet international standards in quality and durability. This would make them competitive not just locally, but on the global stage as well.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with economic challenges, the push for locally manufactured vehicles represents a significant opportunity to diversify the economy. By reducing dependence on imported vehicles, the country can save valuable foreign exchange, which can be redirected to other critical sectors.
In addition to economic benefits, the shift towards locally manufactured vehicles has the potential to create thousands of jobs across various sectors, from manufacturing and logistics to sales and maintenance. This can have a multiplier effect, stimulating growth in related industries and contributing to overall economic development.
Osanipin’s inspection of Lanre Shittu Motors showcased the potential of Nigerian automotive companies. With proper support and investment, these companies can scale their operations and enhance their production capabilities, moving from SKD to CKD processes. This progression is crucial for the development of a robust automotive industry that can compete on a global scale.
The government’s emphasis on CNG-powered vehicles also aligns with its commitment to environmental sustainability. By promoting the use of cleaner energy sources, Nigeria can reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.
The NADDC’s efforts to support the automotive sector are part of a broader strategy to develop Nigeria’s industrial base. This includes initiatives to improve infrastructure, provide training and capacity building, and create a favorable business environment for local manufacturers.
In conclusion, the Federal Government’s plan to invest in made-in-Nigeria vehicles is a strategic move aimed at supporting the local automotive industry, promoting economic growth, and creating jobs. The directive for MDAs to patronize locally manufactured or assembled vehicles is a clear indication of the government’s commitment to this goal. As Nigerians embrace locally produced vehicles, the country can look forward to a more robust and self-reliant automotive industry, capable of competing on the global stage and contributing to sustainable economic development.
