NADDC Restates Commitment To Building A Globally Relevant Nigerian Automotive Industry As Abuja Sets To Host Int’l Motor Fair

As part of efforts to move Nigeria to the age of CNG and electric mobility, the National Automotive Design and Development Council, NADDC, is to strengthen its collaboration with industry players towards repositioning the nation’s automotive industry.

The Director General of NADDC, Otunba Oluwemimo Osanipin who stated this while briefing newsmen on the 26th Abuja International Motor Fair with the theme “Driving Nigeria’s Automotive Future”.

Otunba Oluwemimo Osanipin stressed the need for State Governments to also key into Federal Government’s initiatives aimed at developing Nigeria’s automotive mobility and value chains.

“It is my pleasure to welcome you to this joint press briefing ahead of the 26th Abuja International Motor Fair, scheduled to hold from 10th to 13th November 2026 at Eagle Square, Abuja, under the theme, “Driving Nigeria’s Automotive Future.” and on behalf of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), I commend BKG Exhibitions Limited for its continued partnership and commitment to advancing Nigeria’s automotive industry and I also appreciate the media for its vital role in promoting innovation, informing the public and highlighting opportunities for national development” He said

According to him, the briefing is an opportunity to reaffirm our collective commitment to building a competitive, sustainable and globally relevant Nigerian automotive industry and the Strategic Importance of the Motor Fair.

In his words”The automotive industry is a major driver of industrialization, employment generation, technological advancement and economic growth and for Nigeria, it offers significant opportunities to diversify the economy, conserve foreign exchange, create jobs and strengthen indigenous manufacturing capabilities”.

“The Abuja International Motor Fair provides a strategic platform for automobile manufacturers, local assemblers, component producers, investors, technology providers and policymakers to connect, exchange ideas and explore business opportunities. As we prepare for this 26th edition, our ambition must go beyond displaying vehicles and automotive products and we must use the fair to promote local production, attract investment, encourage technology transfer and showcase Nigerian innovation” the NADDC Boss stated.

Otunba Oluwemimo Osanipin explained that the future of Nigeria’s automotive industry must not be defined solely by the vehicles we import, but increasingly by what we design, manufacture, assemble and develop for domestic and international markets.

“NADDC’s commitment to Automotive Industrialization
At NADDC, we remain committed to developing a sustainable automotive industry that contributes meaningfully to Nigeria’s industrialization and economic prosperity and our priorities include strengthening local content development, supporting vehicle assembly and component manufacturing, promoting research and innovation, building technical capacity and encouraging investment in emerging automotive technologies”.

“A strong automotive industry cannot depend on vehicle assembly alone. It must be supported by a robust ecosystem of local suppliers producing components, spare parts, accessories and other essential inputs. Nigeria possesses the human capital, entrepreneurial potential and market opportunities required to build this ecosystem, provided we continue to connect these advantages with investment, technology, skills and appropriate industrial policies” He pointed out

The Director General further said NADDC is equally committed to preparing Nigeria for the transformation taking place in the global automotive sector, particularly in electric mobility, alternative fuels, battery technology, digital manufacturing and intelligent vehicle systems.

“Our approach is to encourage the development of local solutions that reflect Nigeria’s environmental conditions, energy infrastructure and transportation needs. We must not only adopt global technologies but also develop the expertise to adapt, improve and eventually manufacture solutions that address our unique challenges. In this regard, compressed natural gas (CNG) and other alternative-fuel solutions remain important opportunities for affordable and efficient mobility and their development must be supported by appropriate safety standards, technical training, quality assurance and public education”.

“Ladies and gentlemen, a sustainable automotive industry requires a skilled workforce. Engineers, technicians, designers, researchers, software developers and entrepreneurs are essential to driving productivity and innovation and through our capacity-building initiatives and partnerships with relevant institutions, NADDC continues to support the development of technical skills required across the automotive value chain, including CNG conversion, automotive maintenance and emerging mobility technologies. Our young people must not remain spectators in the transformation of the global automotive industry”.

He stressed that the development of Nigeria’s automotive industry requires sustained collaboration between government, the private sector, financial institutions, research institutions and international partners.

“While government provides an enabling policy environment and promotes standards, the private sector brings investment, technology, operational expertise and entrepreneurial drive and I encourage manufacturers, assemblers, component producers, financial institutions and technology companies to participate actively in the fair and explore investment opportunities across vehicle assembly, component manufacturing, after-sales services and automotive technology. We must also ensure that industry growth is accompanied by quality, safety and consumer protection” He emphasized

“We expect this year’s fair to strengthen engagement between local manufacturers and international brands, showcase Nigerian-made and assembled products, promote local content development, facilitate technology transfer and encourage research and innovation. We also anticipate opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises within the automotive value chain to expand their networks, access new markets and establish productive partnerships. Nigeria has the potential to become a stronger automotive manufacturing and mobility hub in Africa. Realizing this ambition will require deliberate investment, sustained collaboration and a shared commitment to industrial development.
A Call to the Media
Distinguished members of the press, your contribution to this journey is invaluable”.

Otunba Oluwemimo Osanipin advised exhibitors and stakeholders to highlight the achievements of Nigerian manufacturers, assemblers, engineers and innovators while promoting informed conversations about local production, investment, road safety, alternative fuels and emerging mobility technologies. Through responsible and constructive reporting, the media can help strengthen public confidence, attract investors and communicate the opportunities available within Nigeria’s automotive industry.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the theme, “Driving Nigeria’s Automotive Future,” reminds us that our industry’s success will depend on the decisions we make today, the investments we attract, the partnerships we build and the skills and innovations we nurture. At NADDC, we remain committed to working with all stakeholders to build an automotive industry that promotes local manufacturing, generates employment, advances technology and contributes meaningfully to national economic growth. I invite automobile manufacturers, assemblers, investors, dealers, component producers, technology companies, members of the media and the general public to join us at Eagle Square, Abuja, from 10th to 13th November 2026.
Together, let us transform conversations into commitments, commitments into partnerships, and partnerships into measurable industrial progress” the DG NADDC added

Earlier, Chief Ifeanyi Agwu of BKG Exhibitions Limited commended the leadership qualities of the Director General of NADDC, Otunba Oluwemimo Osanipin towards ensuring the development of Nigeria’s automotive industry.

Chief Ifeanyi Agwu who highlighted various activities and programmes for the Abuja International Motor Fair solicited the support of all stakeholders towards ensuring the success of the event.