Stakeholders task govt on auto policy, local manufacturing

Stakeholders in the nation’s automotive sector have advocated an effective implementation of Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) in order to drive an enhanced automobile assembly and local manufacturing industry.

The Director General National Automotive Council (NAC) Aminu Jalal, who made this challenge at the Fleet Management Conference organised by Equipment Leasing Association of Nigeria (ELAN), in Lagos recently, said the plan would create numerous job opportunities and promote Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) if adequately pursued.

“Presently, the Nigerian automotive market can support an indigenous and viable automotive industry. However, vehicle manufacturers have designed strategies for producing affordable vehicle models.

“The Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan, if well implemented, will create many small and medium enterprises as well direct and indirect jobs in the sector. A viable automotive industry will bring about significant good quality employment and a range of technologically advanced manufacturing opportunities. The Auto Development Plan will facilitate a steady increase in the local content of vehicles assembled in Nigeria. With this increase over time, specific parts will be manufactured locally as Nigerian suppliers develop adequate competence”, he added.

Aminu expressed optimism that the incoming government would muster the focus that is actually required to make success of the move that is expected to see Nigeria producing its own automobiles as was done some decades ago.

Meanwhile, other speakers at the forum urged both public and cooperate organisation to embrace quality fleet management operations to minimise risk in the business.

The General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Coscharis Limited, Christian Chigbundu, said that the activities of fleet management is beyond only vehicles on the road and extends to aircrafts and vessels on the sea, adding that every organisation must abide by fleet management policies in their operations and establish good relationship in order to deliver excellent job to clients.

Christian however stressed the need for government to encourage the local automotive industry, which he said could facilitate steady increase in the local content vehicles assembled in Nigeria and that can bring about significant good quality employment.

Also the Lagos Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Hyginus Omeje, stated that fleet management industry must have a smooth relationship with FRSC, and to keep the traffic rules and regulations.