*As Group Pays Courtesy Visit To President Tinubu
The Presidency on Friday charged automotive manufacturers to ensure locally-manufactured vehicles are affordable for Nigerians and of the highest quality that will stand the test of time
They were also urged to complement the Federal Government’s efforts in revitalizing the industry.
The Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, gave the charge while receiving the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers and the Nigerian Automotive Manufacturers Association led by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ms. Doris Uzoka-Anite, on a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu.
The Delegation consisted of the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC); representatives of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), as well as Executive Directors of Stallion Group, Toyota/CEAO and NISSAN.
According to a statement by the President's Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Chief of Staff to the President, thanked the delegation for the visit and assured them of the President’s commitment to Nigeria’s industrialization as evidenced by all of the policies being implemented under his administration.
He promised to assist in facilitating the speedy passage of a legislative bill to drive the automotive industry.
He, however, implored that "locally-manufactured vehicles should be of the highest quality that will stand the test of time and complement the Federal Government’s efforts in revitalizing the industry."
He also urged the "associations to look into producing vehicles that would be affordable for all categories of Nigerians at a time when President Bola Tinubu is set to provide consumer credit for millions of Nigerians to purchase vehicles and other important goods and services."
The delegation thanked the Chief of Staff for finding time to receive them and pledged their commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.
According to the spokesperson of one of the associations, the purpose of the visit was to apprise President Tinubu of the efforts being made "to start manufacturing vehicle/spare parts in Nigeria."
They informed the Chief of Staff to the President that a legislative bill to drive the automotive industry was being drafted and reviewed by the Federal Ministry of Justice.
They emphasized the need to develop the industry, which would create massive employment for Nigerian youths and ease the burden on the much-needed foreign exchange.