Procure All Vehicles From Local Assemblers – Federal Govt Tells MDAs

The federal government has urged local vehicle assemblers to increase production, improve quality and strengthen after-sales services under the Nigeria First Policy.

CHANNELS TV quotes NADDC director-general Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin said Nigeria’s assembly plants have an annual capacity of 370,520 vehicles. He said prioritising local manufacturers in government procurement would create jobs, reduce imports and support domestic component production.

“We are fundamentally shifting the Nigeria First Policy.  All vehicles procured by ministries, departments and agencies, including project utility vehicles, must be sourced exclusively from licensed local assemblers or their authorised retailers.

“Also, no ministry, department or agency may procure a foreign-assembled vehicle unless it explicitly proves the absence of a domestic alternative and obtains direct presidential clearance.

“Every vehicle supplied to the government must carry a traceable Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) verified through the NADDC. Any supply outside licensed local assembly lines will attract immediate regulatory sanctions, including blacklisting and licence revocation,” he explained

Under the policy, government agencies must buy vehicles from licensed local assemblers or authorised retailers. Foreign-assembled vehicles require proof that no local alternative exists and presidential approval.

The Bureau of Public Procurement warned assemblers that poor quality, inadequate after-sales support and policy violations would attract sanctions. Government-supplied vehicles must also have traceable Vehicle Identification Numbers verified by NADDC.

BPP Director-General Adebowale Adedokun urged manufacturers to invest in technology, quality control and maintenance services as the government seeks to build a competitive automotive industry.