The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) recently conducted an inspection tour of automotive assembly and manufacturing facilities in Nigeria. The NADDC Governing Board and Management visited Kojo Motors and Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) to evaluate their operations, technical capabilities, production capacity, and areas requiring further support. This visit aimed to provide board members with first-hand information on the technical know-how, production capacity, and challenges faced by local vehicle manufacturers.
Chief Emma Eneukwu, chairman of the NADDC Governing Board, expressed satisfaction with the level of investment and technical development at the visited facilities. He emphasized the need for a strong NADDC industry law to regulate the automotive sector, address the influx of used and substandard vehicles, protect local manufacturers, and create an enabling environment for locally produced vehicles to compete favourably in the market. Eneukwu commended the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu for its support towards Nigeria's automotive industry development.
During the visit, Mr Chinedu Oguegbu, Executive Director of KOJO Motors, highlighted the company's over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry and its partnerships with global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). These partnerships have enabled KOJO Motors to benefit from technology transfer and international best practices. Oguegbu noted that the company complies with global standards in vehicle assembly and provides warranty and after-sales support through its service centres.
At Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Co Ltd (IVM), Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Chief Innocent Chukwuma emphasized the importance of transitioning to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Electric Vehicles (EVs) to address high fuel costs and promote sustainable transportation. He commended the Federal Government's investment in CNG infrastructure and called for a review of policies, including vehicle import duty concessions, which could place local manufacturers at a disadvantage.
Chief Innocent Chukwuma also stressed that supporting local manufacturing would create employment opportunities, strengthen the economy, and ensure that investments in the sector deliver wider benefits to Nigerians. The NADDC's visit to these facilities demonstrates its commitment to understanding the operations, capabilities, and development needs of vehicle assemblers and manufacturers across the country.
Otunba Oluwemimo Osanipin, Director-General/CEO of NADDC, expressed delight at the scale of investment witnessed at Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, particularly its production of commercial buses and mass-transit vehicles. He noted the company's processes for building vehicles from the chassis stage, showcasing its technical capabilities. The NADDC's Governing Board and Management continue to engage with local manufacturers to identify areas requiring support and development.
The visits to Kojo Motors and Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing reflect the NADDC's efforts to promote Nigeria's automotive industry growth. Key points from the visits include the need for a strong industry law, emphasis on local content, technology transfer, and skills development. The council's engagement with local manufacturers aims to create an enabling environment for the industry to thrive and contribute to the country's economic development.
Key points
- NADDC board visits Kojo Motors, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing to assess operations, capabilities
- Strong industry law needed to regulate automotive sector, protect local manufacturers
- Emphasis on local content, technology transfer, and skills development crucial for industry growth
