National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) have commenced tour of auto parts manufacturing companies in Nigeria.

According to them, the tour is in line with the developmental programmes of the 2023-Nigeria Automotive Industry Development Plan geared towards enhancing automotive components integration in the industry.

The facilities visited on the first day of the tour in Lagos State included Mikano Brake Pads, Vita Parts Nigeria, Chanrai Nigeria Limited, and Vita Visco Nigeria Ltd.

Speaking during the tour, the Director General, NADDC, Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, stated that the aim of the visit was to focus on component parts manufacturers, as they were crucial to optimum functioning of vehicles.

He said discussions were earlier held with components parts manufacturers and auto assemblers.

“The first leg of the visit, which aim was to assess the capacity of assembly plants, is complete. The second phase focuses on enhancing the capabilities of component parts manufacturers,” he said.

Accompanied by technical partners, Osanipin emphasised the vast aftermarket that abound in Nigeria for auto parts.

Chief Executive Officer, AAAM, Dave Coffey, praised Mikano International Limited’s machinery quality, highlighting its potential for high product capacity.

Managing Director, VitaVisco Nigeria Limited, Joseph Musa, discussed the company’s struggles and aspirations. Established to supply automotive foam, VitaVisco, according to him, faces low patronage, forcing them to explore alternative uses for their equipment.

Musa emphasised the need for government support and collaboration with the NADDC to revitalise the automotive foam sector.