The Federal Government has reaffirmed its dedication to revolutionizing Nigeria’s automobile industry, emphasizing the need for strategic and radical measures to achieve significant transformation.
This commitment was highlighted by the Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, during a meeting with the Director General of the Nigeria Automobile Development and Design Council, Joseph Osanipin, in Abuja on Wednesday.
Enoh stressed the importance of addressing critical issues such as spare parts and maintenance to boost demand for locally manufactured vehicles.
“To stimulate demand for locally made automobiles, issues of spare parts and maintenance must be tackled head-on.
“I urge local manufacturers to establish more maintenance workshops and spare part factories to meet demand. An increase in locally made vehicles without corresponding maintenance and spare part workshops jeopardizes the sector,” the minister stated.
He assured stakeholders that he would engage with them on these challenges, describing the automobile sector’s development as a matter of urgent national importance.
The NADDC Director General, Joseph Osanipin, also emphasized the need for supportive legislation to enhance government involvement in the sector.
“I advocate for incentives for automobile manufacturing companies to enable them to meet their production needs,” Osanipin said.
He identified the importation of used vehicles as a significant barrier to the growth of the local automobile industry and called for urgent measures to address the trend.
Osanipin also proposed the establishment of a mortgage system for the automobile sector, aligned with global best practices, to improve accessibility for Nigerians.
“The mortgage system will no doubt help enhance citizens’ welfare,” he noted.
He further urged the government to support the sector by prioritizing the purchase of locally manufactured vehicles.
The NADDC chief disclosed that a review of the Automobile Act is currently underway, with amendments being reviewed by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice.
He called for the Minister’s support in expediting the process to reposition the sector effectively.
The Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment’s directors unanimously concurred during the presentation that increasing demand for domestically produced automobiles will have a knock-on impact, especially helping the petrochemical subsector and spurring economic growth.
“The Federal Government is still dedicated to making sure the automotive sector becomes a pillar of Nigeria’s industrial and economic growth,” stressed Adebayo Thomas, the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations.
