….Says Nigeria will soon become an automobile hub
The National Automotive Design and Development Council, (NADDC), an agency responsible for the regulation of the automotive industry in Nigeria, has assured the public of its preparedness to formulate policies and put in place mechanisms to ensure that vehicles poduces in Nigeria conform to globally accepted standards.
The Council insisted that all locally produced vehicles must comply with minimum safety requirements, be durable, and user-friendly in line with internationally recognised best practices.
Director General, National Automotive Design and Development Council, NADDC, Otunba Joseph Osanipin, gave the assurance during a workshop organised by JOEP Engineering and Consultancy Limited in collaboration with the National Automotive Design and Development Council, on Tuesday, in Abuja.
The DG, represented at the occasion by the Director of Policy, Planning and Statistics, Sani Musa Mohammad, said investors across the globe are increasingly showing confidence in the Nigerian utomotive industry, and the council is willing to do all within its powers to guarantee standards.
He stated that the Policy and regulations of the sector are central to the growth and development of the industry.
Mohammad said the automobile industry is such a dynamic one that changes with evolving automotive vehicles such as electric, compressed Natural Gas and Hybrid vehicles.
He noted that with rapid innovations, all industry players, as well as the regulatory authority, must work together to review the guidelines and Scorecard to meet the current realities.
He observed that guidelines are not a barrier, but provide a road map for growth, development and shape the industry to the benefit of all.
Hè explained that the guidelines have to be streamlined to give investors confidence to unlock the huge potential of the Nigerian automobile sector.
He assured that Nigeria can become a hub of the automobile sector, if all players in the industry comply with the guidelines and regulatory framework.
According to him, Nigeria has about 30 registered automotive assembly plants operating in the country.
The guidelines, he said, are informed by the commendable strides in vehicle assembly across the country, noting that Nigeria’s talent has increasingly been involved in designing, assembling, and manufacturing with remarkable skills and sophistication.
Also speaking, Lead Consultant, JOEP Engineering and Consultancy Limited, Engr. Pamela Nguevese Zendesha, said the workshop on the establishment of Guidelines and Scorecard for the automotive Industry is key to the industry for superlative performance.
She said this is aimed at reviewing the guidelines that would give industry players, as well as consumers, confidence in the automobile sector in Nigeria.
According to her, the guidelines and Scorecard would promote transparency, enhanced performance tracking. It will also ensure quality assurance, durability, and meet the safety standards of the Nigerian roads.
Zendesha commended the leadership of the Council for initiating polices that would transform the sector and contribute significantly to the growth of the economy.
In his remarks, President of the Nigerian Automotive Manufacturers Association, Bawo Omagbitse, said the industry faced multifaceted challenges.
He praised the government’s efforts in resolving some of the challenges.
The workshop is designed to ensure standardised procedures and practices for the automotive industry in Nigeria.
