By Onyeanya Ebere
The Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Oluwemimo Osanipin, has disclosed that Nigeria will soon commence the local production of plastic automotive components.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Wednesday, Osanipin said the Council had identified certain vehicle components, particularly plastic parts made from petroleum by-products where Nigeria holds a comparative cost advantage.
He noted that the Council is committed to advancing the Federal Government’s “Nigeria First Policy,” which prioritizes the patronage of locally manufactured goods, especially in the automotive sector.
“We have been clamouring for this policy. It means we will now give preference to made-in-Nigeria goods—particularly automobiles—because it’s a sector where government spends heavily,” Osanipin stated.
“This policy will support the ongoing efforts to grow our automotive sector. We’ve identified components, such as plastic parts, that can be competitively produced in Nigeria using petroleum by-products. We are working closely with major assemblers and vehicle manufacturers to bring this to reality.”
Osanipin also announced a new electric vehicle initiative involving 12 Nigerian universities; two from each of the six geopolitical zones. These institutions have been tasked with designing and producing 100% electric shuttle buses for campus use.
“The universities are currently working on what we call the University Shuttle Bus project. These buses will be fully electric, designed in Nigeria, and built with mostly locally sourced components,” he said.
“Once the designs are finalized, we’ll reconvene with assemblers, manufacturers, and financiers including the Bank of Industry and other financial institutions, to begin production.”
He urged stakeholders in the automotive industry to embrace regulatory reforms that ensure vehicle safety and environmental sustainability in the country.
Also speaking, the National President of Automotive Dealers of Nigeria, Ajibola Adedoyin, highlighted the benefits of a robust regulatory framework.
He stressed that proper regulation enhances national security, increases government revenue, and improves industry operations.
“It is wrong for individuals to import vehicles without going through registered dealers. Such practices make it difficult to trace vehicles in the event of criminal activity,” Adedoyin said.
“Security-wise, this is crucial. Many crimes are committed using untraceable vehicles. A well-regulated system not only boosts revenue and efficiency but also helps curb security threats.”
He, however, called on the government to refine its policies to ensure that vehicles remain affordable and accessible to the average Nigerian.
