Auto Stakeholders ready for Nigeria First Industry Summit

….as NAJA pushes local content agenda

Automotive stakeholders in Nigeria’s automotive sector will on July 31st, 2025 gather for the second edition of the Nigeria Auto Industry Summit (NAISU) inside the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry Conference Centre, Alausa, Ikeja as the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) deepens the narrative on automotive development through local content application.

Organised by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) in partnership with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), the with the theme: “Nigeria First: Local Content as Catalyst for Automotive Economy.”

This year’s edition seeks to deepen national dialogue on local content integration as a vital pillar for the growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s automotive industry.

It will also dwell on the Federal Government recently launched Nigeria’s First initiative and the patronage of the locally assembled automobiles.

The summit aims to bring together policymakers, regulators, manufacturers, traders, and the media to align on strategies that will transition the country from a largely import-dependent industry to a self-reliant automotive ecosystem.

The event will be declared open by the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, and will have the Director-General of NADDC, Joseph Oluwemimo Osanipin, as the Chief Host.

Speaking ahead of the event, Mike Ochonma, Chairman of the NAISU Planning Committee, underscored the significance of this year’s theme:

He said: “This summit is about action. It’s about putting local content at the heart of Nigeria’s industrial road map. We are bringing regulators, customs officers, manufacturers, traders, and journalists into one room to foster synergy and policy cohesion.”

“Local content is not just policy language—it is the backbone of job creation, skills development, and industrial self-reliance. NAISU 2025 will challenge us to look inward for sustainable solutions.”

Prominent industry and government leaders expected to deliver presentations at NAISU 2025 include: Chief Anselm Ilekuba, Chairman, Association of Local Content Manufacturers (ALCMAN); Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS); Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, Director-General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON); Hon. Ngozi Emechebe, President, Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association (ASPAMDA)

In a statement, Theodore Opara, Chairman of the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA), reaffirmed the association’s commitment to promoting a knowledge-based transformation of the automotive industry.

“As auto journalists, we recognize that information shapes policy. NAISU is our contribution to fostering a well-informed, locally driven auto economy.”

“The future of Nigeria’s auto sector lies in how we harness our own resources, talent, and innovations. NAISU creates a vital forum where public and private stakeholders can collaborate and strategize for a resilient industry.”

NAISU 2025 will feature high-level keynote addresses, expert panel discussions, and strategic networking sessions.
Key areas of focus will include: Custom Tariff Frameworks & Local Assembly Incentives; Supply Chain Localization & Small-Scale Manufacturing; Technology Transfer & Skilled Workforce Development; Regulatory Compliance & Standards Enforcement

The summit is expected to produce a set of actionable policy recommendations that could shape Nigeria’s automotive agenda for years to come.

The Nigeria Auto Industry Summit is fast emerging as the leading annual platform for strategic automotive discourse in Africa’s largest economy.

With growing participation from government agencies, local and international manufacturers, parts dealers, and trade associations, NAISU is poised to be a turning point for the country’s long-term industrial growth.

Stakeholders interested in participation, sponsorship, or media engagement are encouraged to contact the NAJA Secretariat or visit the association’s official platforms for more details.

MIKE OCHONMA
Editor