Automakers in Nigeria Urge FG To Stimulate Local Auto Industry Growth

Automobile manufacturers in Nigeria have called on the federal government to focus on clear-cut programmes that will stimulate the local automobile assemblage industry.

At an industry forum held in Lagos recently, the automakers noted that the growth of the nation’s industry will be impaired if the government focuses on just making policies and leaving it all in the hands of private investors to drive the local automobile industries.

The grouped stressed that government must be seen as an active player in its support for the nascent industry.

They suggested that in addition to sincerely implementing the auto policy, the federal government ought to make clear policies regarding purchasing of vehicles made in Nigeria.

Chairman of the Nigerian Automotive Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, NAMA, Tokunbo Aromolaran implored the federal government to make government functionaries to patronise cars assembled in Nigeria.

“The cars assembled here are of the same global standards. I know that Innoson manufacture the IMV5 and Nissan assembles the Patrol here in Nigeria and these are high-end SUVs that can compete in all ramifications with such vehicles of same class assembled outside the country. And up to 50 per cent of cost can be saved, plus creating jobs for Nigerians,” he said.