Automotive Council seeks engagement in developing policies

To enhance the growth of the local automotive industry, the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) is to strengthen its collaboration with key stakeholders to develop robust policies to boost local production and attract foreign direct investment (FDI) in the sector.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Nigeria Automotive Industry Stakeholders Conference held in Abuja, the Director General of NADDC, Joseph Osanipin, noted that the industry’s stakeholders are the architects of Nigeria’s diversified economic structure needed for national development.

The DG advised automakers at the conference to develop strategies toward building a future where made-in-Nigeria vehicles would not only dominate Nigerian roads but also become symbols of innovation and progress.

“The Nigerian automotive sector is a vital artery of our economy, propelling commerce, facilitating transportation and creating jobs and as we all know, this industry is a dynamic force, intimately intertwined with the economic climate, technological advancements and even the environmental landscape.

“At the NADDC, we firmly believe that building a robust automotive industry is a marathon, not a sprint and it demands unwavering commitment, the ability to adapt when necessary and most importantly, unwavering coll
aboration to reach a shared finish line”, he said.

Managing Director of Bank of Industry (BoI), Dr Olasupo Olusi, represented by the Divisional Head, Business Development, Obaro Osah, applauded NADDC for its commitment to developing the auto industry.

Obaro described the automobile industry as the mother Industry to other sectors of the economy given its connectivity to other sectors.
He said the automotive industry is key to job creation, youth empowerment, poverty eradication and the national economy.

He promised BoI’s financial support to key players and investors towards enhancing the growth of the industry.

President of Nigeria Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Yusuf Othman, stressed the need for Nigerians to patronise made-in Nigeria vehicles to boost the country’s economy.

Earlier, in his opening address, the Convener of the conference and the President Value Plus Creation and Data Technology Managers, Dr Yomi Charles, commended NADDC for its support in creating an enabling environment in the sector, adding that the conference was organised to enable key stakeholders brainstorm on how to fast track the growth of the nation’s automotive industry.