NAMA Urges Government to Protect Nigeria's Auto Industry

The Nigerian Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA) has called on the federal government to implement protective measures for the local automotive industry in light of the 2026 fiscal policy measures that promote trade liberalization. NAMA's chairman, Mr. Bawo Omagbitse, and the association's executive director, Dr. Harpreet Singh, submitted a position paper warning that without adequate safeguards, tariff liberalization could undermine investments in Nigeria's automotive sector.

The association noted that the recent tariff review reduced import duties on fully built vehicles to 15% and on brand new vehicles to 20%. They expressed concern that this reduction could weaken the competitive advantage of local assembly units.

NAMA reported a 67% increase in vehicle imports in the first quarter of 2025, highlighting the urgency of their appeal. They urged the government to restore wider duty differentiation for locally assembled vehicles and to fast-track the passage of the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) to strengthen the sector.