President Tinubu Meets with African Automotive Manufacturers to Advance Local Production
President Bola Tinubu welcomed a delegation from the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers and the Nigerian Automotive Manufacturers Association on Friday, led by the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Ms. Doris Uzoka-Anite. The visit, aimed at discussing the progress of local vehicle production, highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to bolstering its automotive industry as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The delegation, received by the President’s Chief of Staff, Rt. Femi Gbajabiamila, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to meet with President Tinubu. They reaffirmed their dedication to advancing the President’s agenda and updating him on the strides made in local vehicle production and spare parts manufacturing.
Accompanying Minister Uzoka-Anite were delegates from the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and Executive Directors from prominent automotive companies such as Stallion Group, Toyota/CEAO, and NISSAN.
During the meeting, representatives from the automotive associations informed the President’s Chief of Staff about ongoing efforts to develop a legislative proposal aimed at supporting the automotive sector. They highlighted that the proposal is currently undergoing review by the Federal Ministry of Justice.
In response, Rt. Femi Gbajabiamila expressed gratitude to the delegation for their commitment to advancing Nigeria’s industrial growth. He assured them of President Tinubu’s unwavering dedication to supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing local production and creating job opportunities.
Furthermore, he pledged to expedite the approval process for the legislative bill to provide necessary support to the automotive industry. However, he emphasized the importance of ensuring that domestically-produced vehicles meet stringent quality standards and align with the Federal Government’s initiatives to revitalize the automotive sector.
The meeting underscored the collaborative efforts between the government and private sector stakeholders to drive economic growth and promote self-sufficiency in key industries, including automotive manufacturing. As Nigeria continues on its path towards industrialization, such engagements play a crucial role in shaping policies and strategies for sustainable development.
