Nigeria Can Produce 500,000 Vehicles Annually, Says NADDC

The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has disclosed that Nigeria possesses the installed capacity to produce between 450,000 and 500,000 vehicles annually.

NADDC Director-General Joseph Osanipin made this known on Tuesday during the opening of the 26th Abuja International Motor Fair. He noted that the country’s annual vehicle demand currently stands at 350,000 to 450,000 units, indicating that local assembly plants can meet domestic demand with targeted support.

“As of today, we have between 450,000 and 500,000 installed automobile capacity in Nigeria. We also buy between 350,000 and 450,000 vehicles annually. What that means is that we can meet our demands if we put the necessary tools in place,” Osanipin said.

He identified access to finance, supportive legislation, and local component production as critical requirements for maximizing the country’s manufacturing capacity. Osanipin revealed that the Federal Government had released implementation guidelines for the Nigeria First Policy in the automotive sector, adding that an automotive bill and a component development programme are in the works to strengthen local manufacturing.

To boost vehicle purchases, he noted that the council has collaborated with the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) to develop credit guidelines, with over 50 per cent of CREDICORP’s disbursements so far directed to the automotive sector.

The NADDC boss added that most vehicles displayed at the fair were locally assembled and could be customized for government agencies. To support after-sales service, the council has agreed with assemblers to establish workshops nationwide and has trained about 40,000 automotive technicians.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr Jumoke Oduwole described the automotive sector as a priority under the Tinubu administration’s industrialization agenda. She noted that the government is supporting the industry through legislation, access to credit, regulations, and anti-smuggling measures.

Oduwole also announced that Nigeria will host an automotive exhibition as part of the 2027 Intra-African Trade Fair in Lagos from November 5 to 11. According to her, the event will provide a platform for manufacturers to showcase products, attract investment, and connect with African markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Managing Director of BKG Exhibitions Ltd, Ifeanyi Agwu, stated that the fair’s 26 editions reflect a sustained commitment to developing Nigeria’s automotive industry. He called for consistent policies, affordable vehicle financing, stronger collaboration, and improved standards to support local production and consumer confidence.

Echoing the push for local manufacturing, President of the Electric Vehicle Assemblers and Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (EVAMAN), Mustapha Audu, said electric mobility offers opportunities to strengthen domestic manufacturing and create jobs. Represented by Sam Falleye, Chairman of Saglev, Audu noted that EVAMAN has 14 member companies involved in local EV assembly.

Audu commended the Nigeria First Policy, stating that it could encourage public institutions and private organizations to patronize locally assembled vehicles. He urged the government to translate the policy into tangible procurement opportunities and called on state governments, corporate organizations, and fleet operators to support domestic EV production.

The 26th Abuja International Motor Fair, themed “Driving Nigeria’s Automotive Future,” runs from November 10 to 13 at Eagle Square, Abuja. The event brings together manufacturers, assemblers, investors, and policymakers to showcase products and explore opportunities in the sector.