NADDC and ICRC Meet to Strategize on Revitalizing Nigeria’s Automotive Sector
In a strategic move to accelerate Nigeria’s industrial growth and stimulate the domestic automotive industry, the Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, met with the Director General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Dr Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh on Tuesday 13th May 2025 at the ICRC headquarters in Abuja.
The high-level meeting brought together senior executives and directors from both agencies to deliberate on policies, infrastructure, and collaborative efforts needed to position Nigeria as a key player in the global automotive space.
Dr. Oseodion in his opening remarks emphasized the strategic importance of NADDC in Nigeria’s ongoing industrial revolution and the central role of the automotive sector in job creation, economic diversification, and technological advancement.
During the deliberations, both agencies acknowledged the urgent need to overhaul outdated automotive policies in order to foster a business-friendly environment that supports local manufacturing. Citing global models like China’s automotive success story. The Chief Executive Officers discussed how deliberate design specifications and policy enforcement were instrumental in driving industrial breakthroughs.
They noted persistent challenges plaguing Nigeria’s automotive industry, including the inadequate supply of locally produced spare parts, limited technical expertise, and underdeveloped repair and maintenance infrastructure. These issues, they agreed, hinder the competitiveness of locally manufactured vehicles and discourage investment.
Also speaking, Oluwemimo highlighted progress in setting up training centers nationwide and called for increased private sector participation in funding, operating, and maintaining these institutions. Both agencies agreed that capacity building must be at the core of Nigeria’s automotive strategy, with a strong emphasis on hands-on training and sustainable partnerships.
An integral part of the conversation revolved around creating local demand for Nigerian-made vehicles through patriotic consumer behavior and institutional procurement. Also discussed was prospects for the exportation of Nigerian vehicles to other African markets, reinforcing the need for globally competitive standards in production, safety, and design.
“We must create a market where made-in-Nigeria vehicles are not just accepted, but preferred. That’s how we grow an industry, that’s how we create jobs,” Mr. Oluwemimo emphasized.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmed commitment from both agencies to work collaboratively towards a vibrant, sustainable automotive ecosystem. The ICRC committed to providing regulatory support and ensuring that infrastructure concessions in the sector are structured for maximum efficiency and long-term growth.
