The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has intensified efforts to boost local automotive components manufacturing, increase local content and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported vehicle parts.
The initiative formed the focus of a stakeholders’ engagement themed, “Revitalising Automotive Local Components Manufacturing in Nigeria,” held on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at The Providence Hotel and Resort, Ikeja, Lagos.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu, highlighted the opportunities available to Nigerian manufacturers under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He noted that the continental market, with an estimated population of 1.4 billion people, presents significant opportunities for Nigerian manufacturers to expand production, access new markets and strengthen the country’s industrial base.
Isokpunwu emphasised the need for locally manufactured automotive components to meet international quality standards, urging stakeholders to develop practical recommendations that would translate into effective policies and measurable industrial outcomes.
He also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the engagement’s outcomes through relevant institutions, particularly the Bank of Industry.
In his welcome remarks, the Director-General of NADDC, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, described local components manufacturing as critical to Nigeria’s automotive industrialisation.
He explained that a strong domestic supply chain would reduce dependence on imported components, create employment opportunities, promote technology transfer and ensure that more economic value is retained within the country.
Osanipin highlighted ongoing interventions under the National Automotive Industry Development Policy (NAIDP), including collaboration with the Bank of Industry to facilitate financing through the National Automotive Development Fund.
He also disclosed that the Council was engaging relevant government agencies on fiscal incentives and tariff measures, while partnering with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) to promote product standards and component development.
The NADDC boss further highlighted the development of three Automotive Industrial Parks located in Nnewi, Anambra State; Kaduna, Kaduna State; and Ede, Osun State.
According to him, the parks are designed to provide the necessary infrastructure and enabling environment to attract investors and support manufacturers involved in automotive components production.
He called for stronger collaboration among component manufacturers, vehicle assemblers, financiers, regulators and research institutions to address industry challenges and establish a competitive domestic manufacturing base.
