The Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Oluwemimo Osanipin, has declared that the ‘Nigeria First’ policy introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration has the capacity to stimulate the Nigerian economy, create thousands of jobs, and boost local manufacturing across the automotive sector.
In an exclusive interview, Osanipin described the policy as a “game changer,” noting that the federal government’s prioritization of made-in-Nigeria automobiles through the Nigeria First initiative will significantly expand local vehicle demand—especially as the government remains the country’s largest auto buyer.
“Government patronage alone will grow the market size. This will translate into increased sales for locally manufactured vehicles, and that in turn will stimulate production, employment, and economic growth,” Osanipin said.
As part of a broader effort to sanitise the Nigerian auto sector, NADDC is also pushing for mandatory registration and regulation of motor dealers, particularly those involved in the sale of imported, pre-owned, or unsafe vehicles.
Recent stakeholders’ meetings held in Kaduna, Lagos, Uyo, and other cities have brought together assemblers and dealers, traditionally working at cross-purposes, to collaborate toward a unified market structure. Osanipin emphasized that the goal is to curb the importation of scrap or accidented vehicles and ensure all vehicles sold in Nigeria meet minimum safety and environmental standards.
“It is not in the interest of Nigerians to import vehicles marked ‘off-road’ abroad for use here,” he warned, stressing that the era of unregulated vehicle inflows is coming to an end.
Osanipin disclosed that NADDC is working with federal ministries to legislate the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP), giving it legal backing that will enhance investor confidence and ensure continuity across administrations. The policy, already under implementation, is being fine-tuned for passage at the National Assembly.
“Once this becomes law, it provides long-term assurance for manufacturers and investors. The future of Nigeria’s auto industry depends on a stable regulatory framework,” he said.
Highlighting NADDC’s future mobility agenda, Osanipin said the council is actively promoting Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Electric Vehicles (EVs) as sustainable alternatives to petrol-powered engines.
He explained that CNG-powered vehicles can reduce transport costs by up to 70%, while EVs eliminate the need for constant servicing and spare parts like plugs or carburetors. NADDC has already built 16 fully-equipped automotive training centers across Nigeria to support mechatronics, CNG conversions, and technician upskilling.
“We’ve signed a partnership with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) to ensure our facilities are used effectively. Our aim is to close the skills gap in the auto sector,” he added.
According to Osanipin, the Nigeria First policy will reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported vehicles, conserve foreign exchange, and help grow the local components manufacturing ecosystem, including plastics, leather, and metallic parts.
“No country produces 100% of vehicle components, but Nigeria must focus on areas where we have a comparative advantage. That’s our strategy,” he explained.
The NADDC boss said the council will continue to support local component producers with industry-friendly policies, as part of a strategy to increase local content, reduce costs, and achieve backward integration in vehicle production.
Osanipin’s legacy goal is to leave behind an indigenous, internationally competitive auto industry capable of producing vehicles that reflect Nigeria’s identity while meeting global standards. He wants to see a dramatic rise in the auto sector’s contribution to the national GDP, employment, and innovation.
“We’re not focused on how many assemblers we have, but how many vehicles are truly manufactured in Nigeria,” he said.
As the country pivots toward sustainable energy, local content growth, and digital transformation, NADDC’s efforts under the Nigeria First framework are poised to reshape the automotive industry’s future.