The President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu has charged the Nigerian Automotive Manufacturers Association to come up with innovative ways of producing vehicles that would be affordable for all categories of Nigerians.
He said this is necessary as the Nigerian government rolls out consumer credit for millions of citizens to purchase vehicles and other important goods and services.
He also appealed to the delegation to ensure that locally manufactured vehicles are of the highest standard that would stand the test of time, and complement the government’s efforts in revitalizing the automotive industry.
According to a statement by presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu said this when he received a delegation of the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers and the Nigerian Automotive Manufacturers Association in Aso Rock presidential villa yesterday.
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The President, represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, met the members led by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ms Doris Uzoka-Anite, on Saturday in Abuja.
The delegation had earlier notified the President of their efforts to start manufacturing vehicle and spare parts in Nigeria.
He said that a legislative bill to drive the automotive industry was being drafted and reviewed by the Federal Ministry of Justice.
They emphasised the need to develop the industry, which would create massive employment for youths and ease the burden on the much-needed foreign exchange.
The delegation consisted of the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr Oluwemimo Osanipin.
Others are the representatives of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), as well as Executive Directors of Stallion Group, Toyota/CEAO and NISSAN.
Africa Today News, New York reports that many Nigerians often buy fairly used vehicles which is often referred to as ‘Tokunbo’ in local parlance.