NADDC, local assemblers chart course on Nigeria auto industry

….minister calls.on stakeholders to think global

In line with the mandate of the National Automotive Design and Development Council NADDC, to reposition and strengthen the local automotive industry as one of the leading auto manufacturing nations of the world, the NADDC and major auto makers met this week at Radisson Blu Hotel Ikeja Lagos to brainstorm on ways of promoting the Nigerian Automotive Industry.

The National Automotive Industry Development Plan, (NAIDP) took the centre stage of the extensive deliberations as all stakeholders stressed on the need for legislative endorsement of the policy to ensure its sustained functionality and proper implementation.

Speaking via zoom, the minister of Industry trade and investment (FMITI), Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Arite urged the participants to target the initiative of the forum at propelling the nation to the global manufacturing pedestal.

She said “the auto Industry is key to achieving economic diversification, and this is in line with the mandate of the ministry to ensure full diversification and full industrialisation of the economy”.

To facilitate market access and market expansion, She assured of engagement with different economic players to ease the difficulties in doing business and allow local manufacturers participate in the African Continental free Trade Agreement (AfCTA) area to export their products.

On his part, the director-general NADDC, Joseph Osanipin in his welcome address, stated that, the NAIDP is a critical pillar of the government’s effort to transform the automotive sector and position it as a key driver of economic growth and job creation.

In his words “The plan is designed to address the key challenges facing the sector such as low production level, insufficient local content and limited access to financing”.

Osanipin maintained that the NAIDP 2023 is a comprehensive and ambitious plan that seeks to align local policies with AfCTA in such a manner that would allow the industry to compete favourably on the continental and eventually global level.

He said the policy would ensure sustainability and environmental responsibility as it offers incentives in the area of CNG and Electric – Powered vehicles.

Reacting during the interactive session, the chairman of Nigerian Automobile Manufacturers Association (NAMA), Mr. Bawo Omagbitse on behalf of the stakeholders expressed their appreciation to NADDC for putting up the forum.

The NADDC boss reiterated the eagerness of NAMA to work closely with NADDC and other relevant authorities for proper implementation of the Auto Policy, adding that NAMA would develop internal guidance system to ensure the members operate in accordance with the rules and regulations provided in the NAIDP document.

The NAIDP Stakeholders meeting was put together by the Council to address the challenges and harness the prospects for effective implementation of the 2023 Auto Policy. It is expected that the fall out of the forum would result in a more vibrant and sustainable automotive industry in Nigeria.

MIKE OCHONMA