We expect massive roll-outs of Nigeria-made cars by December 2024 – Minister

We expect massive roll-outs of Nigeria-made cars by December 2024 – Minister

 

Nigeria now has the capacity and materials to manufacture made-in-Nigeria cars for local use and export, the Federal Government has said.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, stated this at the Automotive Component Manufacturers meeting in Abuja.

She said local manufacturers should be be held responsible if they fail to deliver massively Nigeria-made cars at the end of this year.

The minister said notwithstanding challenges facing the nation’s automobile industry, with the enabling environment being provided by the government, manufacturers should be held responsible if the cars are not rolling out by December 2024.

Newstrends reports a total of 37 firms were licensed automobile manufacturers/assemblers in Nigeria as of March 2023.

This figure is contained in the NADDC Updated List of the Accredited Locally Manufactured Brand in Nigeria.

Nigeria is said to currently produce less than 10 per cent of the 400,000 vehicles being used in the country.

The minister said, “As far as we are concerned, the auto industry is now set to go. We are counting on all stakeholders to make that happen.

“If we do not produce made-in-Nigeria cars before the end of this year (December), it will be your fault, because I am sitting down here giving you all the assurances that this administration has created the enabling environment to make sure that the auto policy kicks off.”

A statement by the ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Adebayo Thomas, said the minister emphasised the need for collaboration among manufacturers, dealers, regulatory bodies and other players in the automobile industry.

She stressed that by working together, they could address challenges, streamline processes and drive innovation.

Even as she emphasised the need for local content, she urged stakeholders to maintain high-quality standards in vehicle manufacturing, safety features, emissions control and after-sale services.

This, she said, would boost consumer confidence and attract investment.