The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) facilitated an oversight visit by the House Committee on Industry to Dangote Sinotruk West Africa, one of Nigeria’s leading manufacturers of heavy-duty trucks in Lagos State.
The visit was part of ongoing efforts to assess the growth of Nigeria’s automotive sector and identify key challenges hindering its expansion.
During the visit, Engr. M.J. Kogis, Acting Head of Manufacturing and Deputy Manager of Production and Maintenance at Dangote Sinotruk, gave a comprehensive presentation on the company’s achievements manufacturing. He also outlined pressing challenges confronting the company, which include high energy costs, inadequate road networks, and the scarce availability of raw materials.
Kogis specifically pointed high electricity tariff as the major challenge that made them switch to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to reduce energy expenses. He also highlighted the need for improved infrastructure, noting that poor road networks make it more difficult for manufacturers to distribute their products efficiently. Despite these challenges, Kogis expressed optimism about the government’s support and its potential to further ease the operational difficulties faced by manufacturers like Dangote Sinotruk.
In his remarks, Joseph Osanipin, Director-General of NADDC, reiterated the importance of collaboration between the government and private sector to address the industry’s challenges. Osanipin emphasized that the NADDC’s primary goal is to ensure compliance with regulations and to implement measures that will create a conducive environment for local vehicle manufacturing.
“We are working closely with both the government and private sector to overcome the hurdles that currently face the industry,”
Osanipin said.
“We’ve invited the House Committee on Industry to join us in identifying these challenges and developing policies that will support the growth of Nigeria’s automotive sector. Together, we aim to create an enabling environment for the production of Nigerian-made vehicles that meet international standards.” he added.
Honourable Dolapo Badru, Chairman of the House Committee on Industry, also addressed the delegation, underscoring the committee’s commitment to fostering a favorable business climate that supports the operations of manufacturers like Dangote Sinotruk. He stressed that the purpose of the visit was to assess the challenges the company faces and to explore how the government can facilitate its growth.
“Our goal is to ensure that businesses like Dangote Sinotruk can thrive in Nigeria. We are here to understand the challenges they face and to determine how the government can help them continue to grow and prosper.” he concluded.
The visit to Dangote Sinotruk is part of NADDC’s broader effort to engage with key players in Nigeria’s automotive sector, address infrastructure and policy-related issues and create a more sustainable and competitive environment for local vehicle manufacturing.
