The Director General, National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr Joseph Osanipin has frowned at the level of inflow of used cars otherwise referred to as “tokubo” cars into Nigeria.
Speaking at an event in Abuja on Public Sector Engagement on the Implementation of the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP), Osanipin said some vehicles are not “worthy to be on our roads“.
The DG said: “We cannot allow Nigeria to be a dumping ground for old used cars. We will work with relevant agencies to ensure that this is achievable”.
Explaining further, the DG said: “There are some vehicles that are not worthy to be on our roads, in collaboration with the relevant agencies, we have to specify the minimum standards of vehicles that will be allowed to enter the country”.
Speaking at the event, the Director General reiterated the commitment of the Council to ensure proper implementation of the NAIDP, stating that the New Auto Policy is a strategic road map to developing the auto industry.
“We are here to speak on what we are doing in the Council and engaging public stakeholders for proper implementation of the NAIDP. We cannot continue to implement without engaging with critical stakeholders”.
The Director General maintained that local automotive components development is key to achieving the goals of the New Auto Policy as it would contribute to localisation of the products in the industry.
Presenting his goodwill message, the Chairman, Nigeria Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA), Mr Bawo Omagbitse applauded the pragmatic steps of the Director General, which, according to him would place the auto industry on the right track of rapid growth.
He pledged the support of members of NAMA to NADDC, adding that the organisation would continue to work with the Council to canvas for the successful implementation of the Policy document.
In his remarks the representative of the Comptroller General, Nigerian Custom Service, Assist. Comptroller Muazu Zanna also assured of the NCS support on the NAIDP implementation.
Other government authorities who participated and made positive contributions in support of the Policy were the CBN, FRSC, AfcFTA, Bank of Industry, Federal Ministry of Transport, DRTS (VIO) standards Organisation of Nigeria etc.
The event provided a platform for fruitful engagement where relevant agencies made comprehensive contributions all geared towards a holistic approach in developing the automotive sector of the economy.
