Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka Anite, has emphasized the need to revitalize Nigeria’s automotive components manufacturing sector, citing its importance for economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement. Speaking at a meeting of Nigerian automotive component manufacturers in Abuja, Anite underscored the nation’s recognition of the significance of a robust automotive industry and called for collaborative efforts to breathe new life into vehicle components manufacturing within the country.
Anite highlighted the importance of identifying challenges and leveraging strengths and resources to overcome them. She emphasized the necessity of establishing strong linkages between suppliers and vehicle manufacturers, stressing that collaboration and cooperation among stakeholders are crucial for ensuring a seamless flow of components and materials, leading to increased efficiency and competitiveness in the market.
Addressing the issue of raw materials and suppliers, Anite emphasized the need to identify reliable sources domestically and internationally to secure a steady supply chain that can meet the industry’s growing demands. She also acknowledged the critical issue of funding, citing access to finance as a major hurdle for businesses in the sector, and emphasized the need to address this challenge.
Joseph Osanipin, Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), outlined NADDC’s strategic plan to focus more on component parts to aid the development of the automotive industry. He emphasized the transition of the country’s assemblers from Semi-Knocked Down (SKD) to Completely Knocked Down (CKD) auto manufacturers as a key objective.
Osanipin emphasized the importance of harnessing collective talents and resources to drive sustainable growth and development in the sector, noting that Nigeria’s vehicle ownership currently stands at 6% of the general population as of 2018, compared to 17.4% in South Africa. He stressed the need to work towards increasing vehicle ownership in Nigeria through strategic interventions and concerted efforts by all stakeholders.
