By Joy Baba-Yesufu
The Federal Government has inaugurated the Governing Board of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), in a renewed push to accelerate Nigeria’s automotive industrialisation drive under the “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
At the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, described the development as a “strategic milestone,” reflecting the administration’s resolve to reposition Nigeria’s auto industry for growth, competitiveness, and sustainability.
“This inauguration is more than a ceremony—it is a demonstration of intent,” Enoh said. “By assembling a technically competent board, Mr. President has shown his commitment to industrial revival and the pursuit of sustainable economic progress.”
The NADDC board is expected to spearhead key reforms in the automotive sector, including strategic policy development, stakeholder engagement, skills and infrastructure development, and investment promotion. A key mandate of the board is to champion the Nigeria First Policy by boosting local content, advancing the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicles, and reducing reliance on imports.
Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, described the inauguration as a fulfillment of President Tinubu’s directive to energise the automotive development framework. “The calibre of the board members reflects the President’s trust in their ability to deliver meaningful change,” he said.
Newly inaugurated Board Chairman, Chief Emma Eneukwu, OFR, pledged to align the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) with global standards. He also outlined plans to deepen local manufacturing, drive innovation, and forge international partnerships.
“This is a call to national service at a defining time for our economy,” Eneukwu said. “We will work to ensure made-in-Nigeria vehicles are not only competitive but become the dominant presence on our roads.”
The board’s immediate priorities include a strategic planning retreat, stakeholder consultations across all six geopolitical zones, and legislative proposals to strengthen local content enforcement. Pilot projects will also be launched in Special Economic Zones to showcase Nigerian-built vehicles.
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