Industry Leaders Urge Swift Passage of Auto Bill to Revive Nigerian Sector

Key automotive industry bodies have issued a united call for the urgent passage of the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) bill, citing stalled investments and stunted growth due to the prolonged legislative delay.

The appeal was made during a summit hosted by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), where the Director-General of the National Automotive Design & Development Council (NADDC), Otunba Joseph Oluwemimo Osanipin, emphasized that the lack of a legal framework is deterring Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) from committing to Nigeria.

“The NAIDP has been our roadmap, but the inability to pass it into law remains a major hindrance,” Osanipin stated. He warned that uncontrolled vehicle imports and a lack of investment-protection schemes would persist without this critical legislation.

Echoing this sentiment, Chief Anselm Ilekuba of the Automotive Local Content Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (ALCMAN) described the situation as an erosion of investor confidence. “Without the NAIDP, investment will continue to erode. Once passed, we will see effective development,” Ilekuba asserted.

Other industry stakeholders, including Mikano Motors and CFAO Mobility, identified legislation as the sector’s primary obstacle, crucial for unlocking local production, affordability, and job creation.

The Nigeria Customs Service reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the “Nigeria First” policy, supporting the push for a structured automotive industry through inter-agency collaboration.