…says council prepared to promote FG’s “Nigeria First Policy,” which aims to boost local production and patronage of made in Nigeria goods.
The iNews Times reports that the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has announced council’s readiness to launch made in Nigeria automotive components.
According to NADDC Nigeria will soon begin the production of plastic automotive components, marking a significant milestone in the country’s automotive industry.
The Director-General of NADDC, Mr. Oluwemimo Osanipin, disclosed that the council has identified plastic parts made from petroleum by-products as an area where Nigeria holds a comparative cost advantage.
Osanipin who spoke during a stakeholders’ engagement in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, revealed that the council is prepared to promote the Federal Government’s “Nigeria First Policy,” which aims to boost local production and patronage of made in Nigeria goods, especially automobiles.
This policy is expected to impact the automotive sector positively, growing local production and potentially increasing government revenue.
The NADDC has been advocating for this policy for a long time, and Osanipin noted that it will help grow the automotive sector. “We have been clamouring for this policy,” he said.
“This means we are going to patronise made in Nigeria goods, especially automobiles, because it is one of the sectors where the government spends a lot of money.”
In addition to the introduction of made in Nigeria plastic automotive components, the NADDC has launched an initiative involving 12 Nigerian universities, two from each geopolitical zone, to design and produce made in Nigeria electric shuttle buses for university campuses.
The buses will be 100% electric, designed in Nigeria, and most of the components will be sourced locally.
Once the design is completed, the NADDC will work with assemblers, auto manufacturers, and financiers such as the Bank of Industry and other financial institutions to begin production.
This initiative is expected to enhance vehicle safety, environmental sustainability, and national security.
The National President of Automotive Dealers of Nigeria, Ajibola Adedoyin, highlighted the benefits of a proper regulatory framework, which include enhanced national security and increased government revenue.
Adding that the nation stands to gain a lot.
“We believe it’s wrong for anyone to import a vehicle without going through a registered dealer, as this makes it difficult to trace the vehicle in case of any issue. Security-wise, this is very important because many crimes are committed using untraceable vehicles.”
Adedoyin emphasized the need for the government to fine-tune its policies to ensure that vehicles remain affordable and accessible to the average Nigerian.
With the NADDC’s initiatives and the government’s support, the automotive industry in Nigeria is poised for significant growth and development.
