The Federal Government says its Nigeria First Policy in the automobile sector will create jobs, attract investment, and strengthen local manufacturing.
Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, made this known on Friday in Abuja after signing a framework for the procurement of locally assembled vehicles by government agencies.
Adedokun said the policy would generate employment for engineers, technologists, and skilled workers in the automotive industry. It would also improve technical education by giving students and graduates more practical training opportunities.
“In the past, students visited PAN, Volkswagen, and Leyland to learn automobile manufacturing, engineering, and quality assurance,” he said. “This policy will revive such opportunities and help Nigeria rebuild technical capacity in the industry.”
He added that the policy would encourage foreign direct investment, keep more money within the economy, and shift Nigeria from being a consuming nation to a production-driven one. It would also spur growth among small and medium enterprises producing vehicle components and spare parts.
Adedokun noted that local assemblers had already improved product quality and were supplying reliable vehicles for government use. Under the policy, manufacturers will be required to set up standard maintenance facilities nationwide.
Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Joseph Osanipin, described the policy as a major step toward transforming the auto industry and the wider economy. He said it had already attracted interest from global Original Equipment Manufacturers and spare parts producers looking to establish operations in Nigeria.
Osanipin said the automotive sector has strong links with steel, oil and gas, lubricants, and technical services, making it critical to industrial development. NADDC is setting up a National Automotive Training Institute and working with the National Board for Technical Education to certify skilled workers to support the policy.
He said the initiative would revolutionize Nigeria’s industrial landscape and strengthen local content in the automobile industry.
