Nigeria is set to embark on a transformative journey towards achieving self-sufficiency in vehicle production within the next decade as the implementation of the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP-2023) gains momentum. Signed last year, the NAIDP-2023 aims to reduce Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported automobiles.
The formal inauguration of the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP-2023) Implementation Committee took place on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at the Bank of Industry Building in Abuja. Presiding over the ceremony was Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment.
Initiated in 2023, the NAIDP-2023 serves as a strategic roadmap for nurturing the growth of Nigeria’s automotive sector. Addressing attendees at the inauguration ceremony, Dr. Uzoka-Anite emphasized the nation’s potential to become a self-sufficient vehicle manufacturer within the next ten years.
“This moment signifies a pivotal milestone in our collective endeavor to stimulate growth, innovation, and sustainability within Nigeria’s automotive industry,” remarked the Honorable Minister. “Nigeria possesses the necessary raw materials, skills, market, and now, a comprehensive plan to facilitate indigenous vehicle production, encompassing motorcycles, tricycles, sedans, and heavy-duty trucks.”
She continued, “With the implementation of this plan, we anticipate witnessing Nigeria emerge as a fully-fledged vehicle producer within a decade. Our overarching objective is to alleviate the financial burden on the average Nigerian by reducing the cost of vehicle ownership.”
In his address, Mr. Joseph Osanipin, the Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), underscored the significance of the NAIDP-2023 in mitigating Nigeria’s dependence on imported automobiles. He reiterated the commitment to meeting a substantial portion of the country’s vehicular demand through domestic manufacturing of vehicles and components.
“The inauguration of the committee is pivotal to ensuring the effective execution of the NAIDP-2023 and fostering collaborative efforts across government agencies to realize the policy’s seven core pillars,” stated Mr. Osanipin.
The NAIDP-2023 Implementation Committee is chaired by the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, with membership comprising key government officials such as the Ministers of Finance, Transport, and Environment, as well as representatives from the Nigeria Customs Service, NADDC, and Standards Organization of Nigeria.
Private sector representation on the committee includes members from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, the Nigeria Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA), and the Automotive Local Components Manufacturers Association. This diverse composition underscores the collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors to drive Nigeria’s automotive industry towards self-sufficiency and sustainable growth.