NADDC Eyes Media Alliance to Fast-Track Automotive Industry Growth

The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has identified stronger collaboration with specialised motoring media as a strategic imperative for accelerating the growth of Nigeria’s automotive industry, saying sustained public awareness, investor confidence and policy support are crucial to transforming the country into a leading vehicle manufacturing hub in Africa.

The Council stated this while receiving the Motoring World Resilience in National Automotive Development Award during the 30th anniversary celebration of Motoring World magazine in Lagos.

The award recognises NADDC’s consistent commitment to promoting local vehicle manufacturing, skills development and industrial growth despite economic headwinds and policy challenges.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Director-General of NADDC, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, the Director of the General Services Department, Mrs. Susan Bisong-Taiwo, reaffirmed the Council’s determination to position Nigeria as a leading automotive manufacturing and innovation hub in Africa.

In a keynote address delivered on behalf of the Director-General and titled “Motoring Media as a Catalyst for Automotive Industry Growth in Nigeria,” Osanipin said specialised motoring media remains indispensable to the country’s automotive industrialisation drive by promoting investment, shaping public perception and deepening understanding of emerging mobility technologies.

He noted that across the world, the media had played a strategic role in supporting local manufacturing, educating consumers, stimulating policy debates, attracting investment and strengthening confidence in the automotive industry.

“The media is the bridge between government, industry and the public. It informs. It educates. It influences perception. And, importantly, it drives national conversations,” he said.

According to him, the global automotive industry is witnessing unprecedented transformation driven by electric mobility, alternative fuels, smart manufacturing and green transportation technologies, adding that Nigeria must position itself to benefit from these emerging opportunities.

Osanipin disclosed that NADDC is implementing strategic programmes aimed at transforming Nigeria from a vehicle-consuming nation into a competitive automotive manufacturing and innovation centre. The initiatives, he said, include electric vehicle development, compressed natural gas (CNG) conversion programmes, local content promotion, automotive component manufacturing, skills acquisition and strategic partnerships across the industry.

He stressed that government policies alone cannot deliver the desired transformation, urging the motoring media to simplify automotive policies for public understanding, educate Nigerians on cleaner mobility solutions, encourage patronage of locally assembled vehicles and sustain constructive engagement among policymakers, investors, manufacturers and consumers.

The Director-General also underscored the importance of positive and balanced narratives in attracting investment to the sector.

“Where the narrative is dominated only by challenges and uncertainties, investor confidence weakens. But when the media responsibly highlights innovation, progress and opportunities, it inspires confidence and stimulates growth,” he said.

Osanipin commended Motoring World magazine for its resilience and invaluable contributions to automotive journalism, policy advocacy and industry development over the past 30 years, describing its longevity in Nigeria’s challenging media environment as a reflection of professionalism, relevance and dedication.

He maintained that stronger collaboration among government institutions, industry operators and specialised motoring media would become even more critical as Nigeria advances its automotive industrialisation and energy transition agenda.

Highlighting Nigeria’s prospects, he said the country has significant automotive potential arising from its large market, youthful population, growing technical capacity, increasing investor interest and abundant natural resources. He, however, stressed that policy consistency, infrastructure development and sustained stakeholder collaboration remain essential to unlocking the sector’s full potential.

“If government, industry and the media work together strategically, Nigeria can emerge as a major automotive hub on the African continent,” he said.

The Motoring World Resilience in National Automotive Development Award honours institutions and individuals that have demonstrated exceptional commitment and resilience in advancing Nigeria’s automotive industrialisation despite prevailing economic and policy challenges.

Relief for Last-Mile Delivery Operators as TSS Motors launches Forland T5 light Trucks

Nigeria’s fast-growing logistics and distribution sector has received a major boost as Transit Support Services Ltd. (TSS Motors) unveiled the locally assembled Forland T5 light truck, a new range of mini trucks designed to slash the high operating costs that have long plagued last-mile delivery operators.

The company said the introduction of the Forland T5 series, assembled at its Enugu plant, is aimed at providing businesses with a durable, affordable and fuel-efficient solution for the most expensive stage of the supply chain—the final delivery to customers.

Although the last mile is typically the shortest leg of the distribution process, it remains the most complex and costly, accounting for a significant share of transportation and shipping expenses.

By leveraging local vehicle assembly, TSS said it is passing on substantial cost savings to logistics operators and businesses.

Speaking on the new product, TSS Senior Sales Executive, Miss Blessing Aluh, said the company developed the Forland T5 in response to the growing demand for practical and cost-effective delivery vehicles.

“Businesses have long been searching for a practical solution to the high cost of last-mile deliveries. With our Forland T5, that much-awaited solution has finally arrived in Nigeria.

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“TSS has come to the rescue with a truck specially adapted for last-mile delivery because of its low maintenance cost. It is guaranteed to reduce operating expenses and make deliveries more efficient,” she said.

According to Aluh, the T5 is built by Forland, the specialised light truck division of Foton, and manufactured to high international quality standards.

The truck is powered by an 82-kilowatt DAM 15R petrol engine noted for its fuel efficiency and low emissions.

It is offered in both box-body and cabin-and-chassis configurations, giving businesses the flexibility to choose a model that best suits their operations.

Aluh explained that the cabin-and-chassis version would enable customers to fit a wide range of specialised bodies, including flatbeds, enclosed box bodies, drop-side bodies, refrigerated vans, mobile clinics and mobile vending units for food, snacks and beverages.

The air-conditioned cabin comfortably seats the driver and a salesperson, while the vehicle comes with a manual transmission and hydraulic braking system.

To meet varying operational needs, TSS is offering the Forland T5 in 1.5-tonne and 2-tonne payload variants, alongside a 2.5-tonne dual-fuel CNG/petrol version.

Like other Forland vehicles marketed by the company, the T5 is backed by nationwide after-sales support, including a one-year or 100,000-kilometre warranty.

TSS said local assembly has also made the vehicle more affordable, with the flatbed version priced at less than ₦16 million.

Aluh noted that customers have the option of buying the flatbed model and building a customised body elsewhere or purchasing a factory-fitted box-body version directly from the company.

“What this means is that you can build your box body elsewhere or customise it the way you need it. But we also supply box bodies,” she said.

She added that TSS can also facilitate bank financing for qualified buyers, enabling customers to spread payment for the vehicles over an agreed period.

Relief for Last-Mile Delivery Operators as TSS Motors launches Forland T5 light Trucks

Winpart by CFAO, CFAO Solidarity Advance Child Welfare Through Bethesda Foundation Initiative

Winpart by CFAO, in collaboration with CFAO Solidarity, has reinforced its commitment to community development and social impact by supporting the Bethesda Child Support Foundation, a gesture aimed at expanding care, education and empowerment opportunities for vulnerable children while strengthening sustainable development initiatives across the communities where the CFAO Group operates.

The donation forms part of a broader corporate social responsibility initiative designed to support organisations making measurable differences in the lives of disadvantaged people.

Through the intervention, CFAO Solidarity and Winpart by CFAO presented €7,000 and ₦1 million to the Foundation to bolster its programmes focused on child care, protection, education and holistic development.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony, the Deputy Managing Director of CFAO Mobility Nigeria, Kunle Jaiyesimi, said the company believes business growth must be accompanied by meaningful contributions to society.

“At CFAO, we believe that business success must go hand in hand with social responsibility. Our support for the Bethesda Child Support Foundation reflects our commitment to backing initiatives that create meaningful and lasting impact in the lives of children and communities,” he said.

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Jaiyesimi noted that the intervention aligns with the company’s broader vision of promoting sustainable community development through strategic partnerships with organisations delivering tangible social impact.

The project is one of several initiatives selected and funded by CFAO Solidarity, the Group’s employee-led solidarity programme, which supports impactful community projects across the countries and communities where CFAO operates. Working with credible partner organisations, the programme seeks to improve the lives of vulnerable populations while driving positive and lasting social change.

Also speaking at the event, the General Manager of Winpart by CFAO, Eric Fantodji, said the company was proud to support an organisation dedicated to giving vulnerable children hope and opportunities for a better future.

“The work being done by the Bethesda Child Support Foundation is truly inspiring. We are honoured to support a cause that provides care, hope and opportunities to children who deserve the chance to build brighter futures. Through CFAO Solidarity, we are proud to be part of a wider movement supporting impactful community projects across our areas of operation,” he said.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the Foundation, Olamide Adeleye expressed gratitude to Winpart by CFAO and CFAO Solidarity, describing the support as a significant boost to the Foundation’s mission.

“We are deeply grateful to Winpart by CFAO and CFAO Solidarity for their generosity and belief in our mission. This support will contribute significantly to the welfare, development, and empowerment of the children under our care,” she said.

The initiative further underscores CFAO’s commitment to sustainable development and community engagement, highlighting the value of partnerships between the private sector and social institutions in creating lasting benefits for vulnerable communities.

Through interventions such as this, CFAO Mobility Nigeria and CFAO Solidarity continue to strengthen their commitment to building resilient communities, supporting vulnerable groups and advancing inclusive, sustainable development across the regions where the CFAO Group operates.

Winpart by CFAO, CFAO Solidarity Advance Child Welfare Through Bethesda Foundation Initiative