June 29, (THEWILL) – To boost the growth of the automotive sector of the nation’s economy, the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), in collaboration with the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA), on Thursday, in Lagos, held the Nigeria Automotive Industry Summit themed “Developing Nigeria’s Economy through the Auto Industry.”
Speaking at the event, the NADDC Director General, Joseph Osanipin, emphasised the importance of the summit in his keynote address, saying: “This summit presents a critical platform for us to come together, discuss the current state of the Nigerian automotive industry, and chart a course for its future success.”
Osanipin highlighted the immense potential of the Nigerian automotive industry, driven by a growing population and increasing demand for safe, reliable, and affordable vehicles. He, however, acknowledged significant challenges, notably the reliance on imported vehicles.
“This reliance puts pressure on our foreign exchange reserves, hinders job creation, and stifles economic growth within our country. We must strive towards a future where Nigeria is not just a consumer but also a producer of high-quality automobiles,” Osanipin urged.
He reiterated NADDC’s commitment to aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ by fostering local production and consumption. He stated that collaboration is key to the success of these initiatives, and expressed the Council’s readiness to work with all willing stakeholders to advance the industry.
Representing the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka, the Deputy Director of the Industrial Development Department, Mrs. Olumuyiwa Ajayi-Ade, underscored the event’s timeliness.
She highlighted the government’s recognition of the automotive sector as a critical pillar for economic development and recovery, saying: “The automotive industry has the potential to be the cornerstone of our economic recovery, offering numerous benefits, including job creation and technology transfer.”
Ajayi-Ade emphasised the labour-intensive nature of the automotive industry and its capacity to create thousands of jobs across the value chain, significantly reducing unemployment and providing sustainable livelihoods.
She concluded by stressing the importance of collective effort in harnessing the sector’s potential, noting that it can drive technological innovation through global partnerships and the establishment of local research and development centres.
Other participants at the summit were the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), members of the Nigerian Automobile Manufacturers Association (NAMA), Automotive Local Components Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (ALCMAN), and Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA).
The summit concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to join hands in developing a robust and sustainable automotive industry crucial for Nigeria’s economic revival and long-term growth.
About the Author
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
