The Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Joseph Osanipin, has strongly defended the Federal Government's Nigeria First policy. He insists that all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) must prioritize the procurement of vehicles assembled within Nigeria. This approach is intended to bolster local manufacturing, create employment opportunities, and conserve foreign exchange reserves.
Policy Objectives and Economic Impact
Speaking on Channels Television's Sunrise Daily program, Osanipin emphasized that the policy is strategically designed to ensure that government expenditure directly supports Nigeria's industrial growth. He highlighted the automotive sector as a catalyst for multiple industries, including steel, plastics, textiles, and technology. According to him, the Federal Government spends substantial sums annually on vehicle purchases. Redirecting these funds to locally assembled vehicles would stimulate economic activity, expand job opportunities, and strengthen the nation's manufacturing base.
Implementation Framework
Osanipin explained that the implementation framework is being driven through the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP). Government agencies seeking procurement approvals will be required to source vehicles from a list of approved local assemblers. He clarified that the policy does not dictate specific brands but mandates that vehicles must come from companies assembling in Nigeria. If a local substitute exists, government funds should be used to purchase that vehicle.
The NADDC boss noted that the policy applies across all federal MDAs, including the National Assembly and other government institutions. However, exceptions may be made for specialized vehicles that cannot currently be produced locally. He acknowledged concerns about whether top government officials, including the President, would comply. Osanipin explained that highly specialized or security-equipped vehicles may be exempted due to unique requirements, but such exemptions would be limited and would not undermine the overall objective of promoting local vehicle production.
Local Manufacturing Capacity
Osanipin stressed that Nigeria already has the capacity to assemble a wide range of vehicles required by the government, including SUVs, passenger cars, pick-up trucks, and commercial buses. Local manufacturers are also making progress in producing specialized security and armored vehicles. For instance, firms like Proforce are already supplying security-related vehicles assembled in the country.
Phased Approach and Collaboration
The policy will initially focus on federal government procurement before engaging with state governments and the private sector. Osanipin also disclosed that NADDC has strengthened collaboration with vehicle importers and dealers through a registration platform designed to improve oversight of vehicle imports and dealership operations nationwide.
Enforcement and Compliance
On enforcement, the Director-General stated that compliance will be monitored primarily by the BPP through procurement approvals, annual procurement reports, and post-procurement verification processes. He warned that agencies failing to comply could face sanctions, including restrictions on future vehicle procurement approvals.
Osanipin concluded, "The idea is simple: consume what we produce and produce what we consume. Government must lead by example if we want to build a sustainable automotive industry in Nigeria." The Nigeria First policy is part of the Federal Government's broader strategy to deepen local content, reduce import dependence, and accelerate industrial development through increased patronage of made-in-Nigeria products.
