NADDC Advocates Legislation for Indigenous Auto Production

The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), under the leadership of Director General Otunba Joseph Osanipin, is calling for urgent legislative action to strengthen Nigeria's automotive development policy. During a workshop in Abuja, Osanipin highlighted the necessity for stronger legal guarantees to attract investors and promote indigenous vehicle production.

He noted that the automotive sector requires billions of dollars to establish a single vehicle manufacturing plant and emphasized the importance of a supportive legal framework to build investor confidence. The council has already achieved milestones in indigenous production, including the design and partial manufacturing of tricycles using local materials.

Osanipin also referenced global trends, such as the U.S. imposing tariffs on electric vehicles to protect its domestic industry. The NADDC aims to promote compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles and has trained 15,000 technicians nationwide.

Akintund Rotimi, chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, stressed the need for specialized knowledge among legislators to effectively communicate and support automotive policies.