The Federal Government of Nigeria has attributed the reluctance of government agencies to purchase locally assembled vehicles to the lack of robust after-sales services.
This is despite Executive Order 5, which mandates preference for automobiles produced in the country.
The Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, made this disclosure during a meeting with the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers in Abuja on Friday.
The meeting, which brought together representatives from various stakeholders in the automotive industry, including NAMA, MOMAN, G.M Motors, Anammco, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Ltd, and other key players, centered on discussions about the future of Nigeria’s automotive sector and its alignment with AAAM, according to Leadership.
The Minister commended indigenous automobile assemblers for their contributions to the economy but urged them to prioritize after-sales support to remain competitive.
She emphasized that the government would only patronize auto assemblers with robust after-sales services, highlighting its importance in increasing preference for locally assembled vehicles among government agencies.
The Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, in his welcome address, emphasized that the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan 2023 aims to align local policies with the African Continental Free Trade Area to enable the industry to compete favorably on a continental and global level.
The NADDC Director-General added that it will promote sustainability and environmental responsibility through incentives for Compressed Natural Gas and Electric-Powered vehicles.
