The Minister, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), Dr. Doris NKIRUKA Uzoka-Anite has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to boost development in the Nigeria Automotive Industry.
The Minister stated this on Friday, 3rd May, 2024 at a meeting organised by the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) with Officials of African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) and Nigeria Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA) at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Uzoka-Anite highlighted the recent bold steps taken by the federal government to ensure a complete turn around and prompt revival of the auto industry in Nigeria.
“The DG, NADDC started these engagement meetings, we started with few and now more stakeholders are coming in, that shows positivity to what we’re doing”.
She said the committee charged with the implementation of the NAIDP has the responsibility of ensuring thorough, proper and strategic implementation of the policy for the benefit of the auto practitioners, the end users and the economy in general.
The Minister also encouraged the investors to be confident in the new NAIDP, adding that the Auto Policy is in tandem with President Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to industrialise Nigeria.
“Our message is simple, this is the time to invest and produce in Nigeria. We will make sure that we continue to create an enabling environment to support industrialisation and growth in our economy”.
In the same token, the Director General NADDC Mr Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin in his welcome address stressed on the need for continuous engagement with AAAM and all relevant stakeholders in ensuring more developmental strides in the industry.
In his words, “Over the decade, Nigeria has made significant strides in developing its automotive industry. The introduction of the NAIDP has resulted in the establishment of several assembly plants, job creation and increased local content. At this stage, we recognise the need to further accelerate the growth”.
In attendance at the event were the President of AAAM and Managing Director of Volkswagen in Africa, Mrs Martina Biene, the CEO of AAAM, Dave Covey and the CEO Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing ltd, Chief Innocent Chukwuma. Other key stakeholders who also made meaningful contributions includes representatives from the Nigeria Customs Service, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigerian Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA), Automotive Local Contents Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (ALCMAN) and Motorcycle Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN).
It would be recalled that the NADDC in the recent time has been engaging all key players in the industry with a view to forging a productive partnership and fostering the growth and development of the auto industry in Nigeria
