The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) is advocating for a ban on importing used cars exceeding 20 years, as part of its efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s automotive industry, NADDC Director-General, Joseph Osanipin, has disclosed.
Speaking during a recent Public Sector Engagement on the Implementation of the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP 2023-2033) held in Abuja, Osanipin stressed the necessity to curb the influx of used vehicles older than two decades into the country, noting that it will promote local vehicle assembly and production while preventing Nigeria from being inundated with discarded vehicles.
Osanipin said, “We cannot allow Nigeria to be a dumping ground for used vehicles. We will collaborate with relevant authorities to enforce age limits on used cars. We need to stop the importation of vehicles ranging from 2000 to 2007.”
He further highlighted concerns about imported vehicles lacking basic safety features like airbags, urging stricter measures to regulate such imports.
“Some vehicles entering Nigeria lack essential safety features, and we have allowed them into the country. This practice must cease,” he stated.
The Director-General noted the importance of stakeholder engagement in formulating and executing the Federal Government’s automotive policy. He pointed out the agency’s objective to tackle industry challenges such as inadequate local content, low production levels, and limited finance.
Osanipin outlined the agency’s strategies, including the introduction of a deletion policy aimed at bolstering local content by identifying vehicle components that can be manufactured in Nigeria. These components range from tyres, plastics, foams, and leather, to batteries.
“Identifying these components and their manufacturers according to our standards will enhance our local content,” he affirmed.
He further stressed the pivotal role of standards in production, stating that upholding high-quality standards would result in recommending locally produced parts to assemblers and markets.
During the event, stakeholders like the Nigerian Automotive Manufacturing Association (NAMA) Chairman, Mr Bawo Omagbitse, pledged support for NAIDP’s implementation.
Pat Iruke from the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission advocated for conducive policies to attract investments, while the Minister of Transportation, represented by Musa Ibrahim, highlighted the importance of productivity and collaboration among relevant agencies.
This pivotal event, graced by representatives from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Bank of Industry (BOI), Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), KPMG, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), and National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), received commendation for NADDC’s efforts to revitalize Nigeria’s automotive industry. The attendees pledged financial, advisory, and collaborative support towards achieving the goals outlined in NAIDP.
NAN
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