104 Million Nigerians Lack Vehicle Access, Says Expert

Professor Oscar Odiboh from Delta State University disclosed that 104 million Nigerians, or 52% of the population, lack adequate access to vehicles. This issue was highlighted during a session organized by the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) aimed at strengthening the automotive sector's policy framework.

The report indicates that the underserved population includes urban poor, unemployed individuals, semi-urban residents, and rural dwellers. Odiboh emphasized the need for coordinated government and private sector interventions to enhance local content development and boost indigenous vehicle manufacturing.

He noted that Nigeria spends approximately $4.5 billion annually on automotive imports while producing only 10,000 vehicles compared to Morocco's 700,000. Chinedu Oguegbu, managing director of an indigenous automotive firm, advocated for leveraging compressed natural gas (CNG) as an alternative fuel.

Joseph Osanipin, director general of NADDC, urged the National Assembly to expedite automotive-related bills to provide a stable regulatory framework for the industry.