The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) says it will strengthen its collaboration with key stakeholders to develop robust policies to boost local automobile production in the country.

The Director-General of NADDC, Joseph Osanipin, said this at the Nigeria Automotive Industry Stakeholders Conference in Abuja on Thursday.

According to Osanipin, the policies will enhance the growth of the nation’s automobile industry and attract more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the country.

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He highlighted the automotive sector’s critical role in the Nigerian economy, noting its contributions to commerce, transportation, and employment.

He said that building a robust automotive industry required long-term commitment, adaptability, and, most importantly, collaborative efforts to achieve a common goal.

Osanipin advised participants to devise strategies for building a future where Nigerian-made vehicles not only dominated the nation’s roads but are symbols of innovation and progress.

“The Nigerian automotive sector is vital to our economy, propelling commerce, facilitating transportation, and creating jobs.

“And as we all know, this industry is a dynamic force, intimately intertwined with the economic climate, technological advancements, and even the environmental landscape.

“At NADDC, we firmly believe that building a robust automotive industry is a marathon, not a sprint.

“And it demands unwavering commitment, the agility to adapt when necessary and most importantly, unwavering collaboration to reach a shared finish line, “he said.

Osanipin acknowledged the industry’s challenges, such as access to financing and the need for a skilled workforce.

The director-general called for innovative solutions, including alternative financing models and leveraging technology for online training platforms to equip Nigerians with the necessary skills.

He affirmed NADDC’s commitment to fostering partnerships that develop robust policies, incentivise local production, attract foreign direct investment, and prioritise environmental considerations.

“The future of the Nigerian automotive industry rests on our collective shoulders.

“Together, we can build an industry that is not just economically viable but also environmentally conscious and a source of national pride,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director Bank of Industry (BOI), Dr Olasupo Olusi, described the automobile industry as key to job creation, youth empowerment, poverty eradication and national economic development.

Olusi, who was represented by the Divisional Head Business Development at BOI, Mr Obaro Osah, expressed BOI’s financial support to key players and investors to enhance the industry’s growth.

Also speaking, the President of Nigeria Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Alhaji Yusuf Othman, reiterated the need for Nigerians to patronise vehicles made in Nigeria for economic growth and development.

He identified inadequate infrastructure as a major challenge confronting the sector and called for more collaborative efforts towards effective sustainability in the industry.

Earlier, the conference convener, Dr Yomi Charles, said the event was organised to enable key stakeholders to brainstorm on how to fast-track the growth of the nation’s automobile industry.

While commending NADDC’s support in the sector, Charles, who is the President, Value Creation, and Data Technology Managers, called for a more enabling environment in infrastructure to encourage more investment in the automobile industry.

The conference, which was attended by major investors in Nigeria’s Automobile Industry, featured paper presentations, exhibitions, and discourse on the way forward in the sector.