Now Is A Favourable Time For Nigerian Auto Production — FG To Manufacturers

Doris Uzoka-Anite

THE federal government has reiterated its backing for automakers looking to produce vehicles in Nigeria.

Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment Doris Uzoka-Anite spoke on May 3 in Abuja to industry stakeholders.

Representatives from the Nigerian Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA) and the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) attended the meeting.

Uzoka-Anite encouraged AAAM to resume operations in Nigeria, stating that the government will persist in offering a conducive atmosphere for conducting business.

The minister claims that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is eager to advance industrialization in the nation.

She said: “We want to see your presence here, we know you shut down your plants because some things were not happening, but we want you to reopen your plants.

“We want to assure you that those things are happening now, so have no fear whatsoever. If you have foreign exchange challenge to import your raw materials. we have raw materials here.

“Tell us what you need, and I am sure our components parts here will give it to you. If you have standard specifications, I am sure our SON will give you the support.

“If you have issues with certain policy implementation on trade policy, we are here. This is a working government. We do not just issue policies. We work.”

The minister stated that funds is available for manufacturers to use and added that Tinubu has promised to see to it that additional money is made available for manufacturers to use.

She continued: “For every manufacturer, this is a good time to produce in Nigeria. There are difficulties, but that is why we are here to solve them.

“The policy is no longer in-consistent in Nigeria. Whatever issue we have in Nigeria, we have a local solution to it, and we are proud of that.

“So do not be afraid, sit with the industry and see what we have, in areas you need more clarification we will be happy to provide that.

“What we are saying to you is that you have to produce here because we do not want to continue to import.”

Uzoka-Anite reaffirmed the government's intention to provide policies, incentives, and all other forms of support that are required for every manufacturer in the nation—domestic and foreign—to succeed.

“You will have the opportunities through the challenges that you will have,” she remarked, acknowledging that the economy is difficult.

 “So, I encourage you to invest. We will make sure we continue to create the enabling environment to support industrialisation and the growth of our economy,” Uzoka-Anite said.

The minister claims that there is a high demand for automobiles, which has increased the nation's importation of pre-owned vehicles.

Uzoka-Anite also discussed the necessity of boosting reasonably priced car manufacture in Nigeria in order to decrease the amount of used automobiles imported into the nation.

"If the cars we produce are not cheap enough and do not meet our demand, then there is no way we can stop the importation of vehicles, and that is why we have started this journey," she said.

According to Uzoka-Anite, ensuring that supplies are supplied locally is one approach to efficiently minimize expenses.