The African Association of Automotive Manufacturers and Nigerian Automotive Manufacturers Association led by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ms. Doris Uzoka-Anite, yesterday paid a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu.
The delegation, which was received by the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, thanked Tinubu for finding time to receive them and pledged their commitment to his Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to a statement by presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, the delegation included the Director-General of National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC); representatives of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), as well as executive directors of Stallion Group, Toyota/CEAO and NISSAN.
According to the spokesperson of one of the associations, the purpose of the visit was to apprise President Tinubu of the efforts being made to start manufacturing vehicle/spare parts in Nigeria. They informed Gbajabiamila that a legislative bill to drive the automotive industry was being drafted and reviewed by the Federal Ministry of Justice.
They emphasised the need to develop the industry, which would create massive employment for Nigerian youths and ease the burden on the much-needed foreign exchange.
Gbajabiamila while thanking the delegation for the visit, assured them of the president’s commitment to Nigeria’s industrialisation as evidenced by all of the policies being implemented under his administration.
He promised to assist in facilitating the speedy passage of the legislative bill. He, however, implored that locally-manufactured vehicles should be of the highest quality that will stand the test of time and complement the federal government’s efforts in revitalizing the industry.
He also urged the associations to look into producing vehicles that would be affordable for all categories of Nigerians at a time when President Bola Tinubu is set to provide consumer credit for millions of Nigerians to purchase vehicles and other important goods and services.
