The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has announced that Nigeria is set to begin the local manufacturing of vehicle spare parts, a move aimed at reducing the country’s reliance on imports, which currently cost $1 billion annually.
The Director General of NADDC, Joseph Osanipin, revealed that the necessary structures and frameworks have been established to support this initiative.
Speaking at the conclusion of a two-week automotive engineering and software design training in Abuja, Director of Research Design and Development, Fidelis Achiv, emphasized the council’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s automotive industry.
“We are working to achieve a level whereby we can go back to assembling vehicles that have up to 40% locally manufactured components,” Achiv said, noting that current vehicle assembly practices do not add substantial value to the economy.
Achiv underscored the importance of transitioning from assembling completely built vehicles to conducting more comprehensive processes domestically, including welding and producing key components.
He projected that even manufacturing as few as 10 high-quality parts locally could significantly bolster Nigeria’s economic standing. “Our economy will change,” he stated, referencing the potential impact on job creation and value addition.
The training, organized in partnership with South Korea’s Midas IT Co., equipped 15 participants with skills in Midas NFX software for advanced design and analysis.
Abdul-Lawal Zubair, Managing Director of FAZSAL Nigeria Limited, encouraged the trainees to apply their knowledge to develop practical solutions for the automotive industry. Participant Lukman expressed appreciation for the training, noting that it broadened his skills and capacity for innovation in vehicle part production.
