The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), under the leadership of Director General Mr. Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, recently paid a courtesy visit to Dangote Sinotruk West Africa Limited. This visit aimed to engage with key stakeholders in the automotive industry and involved a tour of the assembly plant located in Lagos State.
Dangote Sinotruk West Africa is a Joint Venture with an investment of $100 million, with Dangote Industries Limited holding 65% of the equity and Sinotruck of China owning 35%. The company specializes in the production of a diverse range of commercial vehicles, including heavy-duty trucks, medium trucks, light trucks, and semi-trailers.
The company’s assembly plant has a significant production capacity, boasting the ability to assemble and produce 16 to 18 trucks per day or 10,000 trucks annually. This capacity highlights the company’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for commercial vehicles in various sectors, such as logistics, construction, and food and beverage industries.
During the visit, Mr. Dolapo Alli, the Regional Sales Director of Dangote Cement Plc, emphasized the potential for job creation in the company, both directly and indirectly. The establishment of Dangote Sinotruk West Africa is expected to generate employment opportunities, contributing to economic growth and development in Nigeria.
The visit underscores the government’s commitment to fast-track the development of the automotive industry in Nigeria. By engaging with key stakeholders and supporting initiatives like Dangote Sinotruk West Africa, the government aims to enhance local manufacturing capabilities, reduce dependency on imports, and promote the use of locally produced vehicles.
In a broader context, visits to automotive manufacturing plants like Dangote Sinotruk West Africa and Innoson Factory signify a broader shift towards embracing local brands and promoting indigenous industries. This shift aligns with efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s economy, foster innovation, and create sustainable employment opportunities for its citizens.
