‘Nigerian automakers must meet global standard’

For the attempt of the National Automotive Design And Development Council to facilitate the production of components and vehicles of international standard in Nigeria to be realised, the Federal Government must mandate auto manufacturers in the country to meet global standards.

Chief Executive Officer of Automedics, Kunle Sonaike, who disclosed this in an Interview with The Guardian in Lagos, said: “Vehicle manufacturers in the country have to be mandated to meet global standard.”

Though experts said the sector may realise its potential of being the hub of the continent’s automotive industry, accounting for 70 per cent of new cars to be manufactured in Nigeria by 2050, he maintained that such vehicles may not withstand global standard if the governement fails to put in place proper measures.

Besides, Sonaike stated that government must direct the manufacturer to bridge skill gap in sector by training Nigerians, particularly artisans on the technology of the new brands.

According to him, the manufacturers need to release vital information to the public through regular seminar and training, since they lack the manpower to service the entire country.

Sonaike said: “One thing the National Automotive Design And Development
Council needs to do is to mandate the new manufacturers to train our artisans on what they are selling or giving us, because they alone cannot service the entire country, they don’t have the network and the manpower.

“The auto policy is a welcome development but the challenge is that government must not stop importation of vehicles. If the prices of the vehicles built in Nigeria are affordable people will buy, nobody wants to drive used car but affordability remains the bane.”

Sonaike, who lauded the effort of the government on the policy, said that Nigerians must allow the new policy to work by giving it enough time.

He stressed the need for Nigerians to become conversant with their vehicles and embrace preventive maintenance culture, which he said goes beyond changing oil to knowing the technology they are driving.