In a pivotal meeting held on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja Lagos, the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) joined forces with major auto manufacturers to explore avenues for elevating Nigeria’s status in the global automotive manufacturing landscape.
The spotlight of the extensive deliberations was on the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP), with all participants underscoring the imperative of legislative endorsement to ensure sustained functionality and effective implementation.
Addressing the forum via zoom, Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Arite, the Hon. Minister of Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment (FMITI), emphasized the pivotal role of the automotive industry in achieving economic diversification, aligning with the ministry’s mandate for full industrialization of the economy.
To facilitate market access and expansion, the minister pledged engagement with various economic players to alleviate business challenges and enable local manufacturers to participate in the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCTA) for product exports.
Joseph Osanipin, the Director General of NADDC, in his welcome address, positioned the NAIDP as a critical pillar in the government’s drive to transform the automotive sector into a key driver of economic growth and job creation. He highlighted the plan’s ambition to address sector challenges, such as low production levels, insufficient local content, and limited access to financing.
During the interactive session, Mr. Bawo Omagbitse, Chairman of the Nigerian Automobile Manufacturers Association (NAMA), expressed gratitude to NADDC for organizing the forum. He reiterated NAMA’s commitment to collaborating with NADDC and relevant authorities for the effective implementation of the Auto Policy.
The stakeholders anticipate that the outcomes of this meeting will pave the way for a more vibrant and sustainable automotive industry in Nigeria. Notable participants included representatives from Motorcycle Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), G.M Motors, Anammco, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Ltd, Proforce, JET Motors, and various other key players in the automotive sector.
