As part of measures to accelerate the growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s automotive industry, the Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, on Tuesday, 2nd December, 2025 led a high-level delegation to Kaiho Industry Co. Ltd., Japan — one of the world’s leading institutions in end-of-life vehicle (ELV) recycling and sustainable automotive resource management.
The mission builds on the momentum of Nigeria’s newly launched ELV Regulations in Lagos and the ongoing national awareness campaigns in Abuja and Kano.
It also follows a successful engagement in Accra between the NADDC team and Kaiho representatives, which laid the groundwork for deeper technical collaboration.
A statement explained that during the visit, the NADDC DG was received by the President of Kaiho Industry, Makoto Tokuda.
Tokuda and his team offered detailed briefings on Japan’s internationally certified ELV recycling systems, showcasing best-in-class dismantling operations, reusable parts processing, advanced material recovery technologies, and eco-friendly waste treatment methods.
The NADDC delegation also toured critical facilities to better understand operational flows and technology requirements.
A major highlight of the mission was Kaiho Industry’s strong commitment to supporting Nigeria in developing a structured, modern and sustainable ELV recycling ecosystem. Kaiho’s Executive Officer and Manager of Business Development, Mr. Taishi Suzuki, outlined a comprehensive multi-phase support plan that includes:
Phase Zero: Pre-feasibility study (scheduled for Q1)
Phase One: Initial factory design and equipment installation
Phase Two: Heavy machinery installation and full technical support
Phase Three: Capacity building through expert training in Japan and on-site training in Nigeria
Mr. Suzuki emphasized that Kaiho’s global experience in helping nations implement safe, efficient and environmentally responsible ELV systems positions it as a strong partner for Nigeria’s transition to a cleaner and more circular automotive economy. He reaffirmed the company’s readiness to collaborate closely with NADDC to establish Nigeria’s first modern ELV recycling plant — a development expected to boost environmental protection, create jobs, and unlock new value chains within the automotive sector.
The visit culminated in the signing of an Expression of Interest (EOI) between NADDC and Kaiho Industry, formalizing their collaboration from pre-feasibility to full deployment, including efforts to attract additional investors to drive the development of Nigeria’s ELV recycling sector.
