The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has initiated a strategic partnership with the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) and the Nigerian Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA) as part of measures to foster the growth and development of Nigeria’s automotive industry.
The high-level meeting took place at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos State on Thursday.
The Director General NADDC, Mr. Joseph Osanipin, welcomed the AAAM and NAMA representatives, including Mrs. Martina Biene, President of AAAM and Managing Director of Volkswagen in Africa, and Dave Covey, CEO of AAAM, on this pivotal visit.
According to NADDC, the event underscored the importance of forging alliances and sharing knowledge to advance the African automotive industry.
In his opening remarks, Osanipin highlighted the opportunity the meeting provided, to establish a foundation for future collaboration among African nations in the automotive sector.
He stated that no single country could independently produce all automotive components, emphasizing the importance of leveraging each nation’s comparative advantages. “Together, we can drive progress, elevate quality, and deliver excellence,” said Osanipin.
In the same vein, Mrs. Martina Biene echoed the Director General’s assertions, underscoring the significance of collaboration and mutual support. She emphasized that the meeting aimed to foster business growth and policy development in Nigeria, which is key to unlocking the continent’s automotive potential.
The discussions also focused on the potential benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and the need for Nigeria to create a conducive environment for local automotive manufacturing.
Dave Covey, CEO of AAAM, identified the importance of implementing the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) to ensure a stable governance structure for the industry’s growth.
Covey remarked on Nigeria being an essential player in the continent’s automotive industry, but it faces challenges that must be addressed to encourage local manufacturing and attract foreign investment.
Also in the meeting, Mr Ben Ejendu, Board Member of Anambra Motor Manufacturing Company (ANAMCO) who presented for the Nigerian Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA) and praised NADDC for their role in this collaborations.
The collaboration between NADDC, NAMA, and AAAM signals a renewed focus on local production, policy implementation, and the growth of the Nigerian automotive industry as a major player on the African continent.
By working together, the stakeholders aim to create a future where Nigeria’s automotive sector can thrive, attracting investment and fostering innovation to meet the aspirations of African consumers.
