By Ayoni M. Agbabiaka
Abuja
The federal government has explained that the National Auto Policy (NAP) is designed Automotive Policy is designed to ensure the survival and growth of the Nigerian automotive industry with emphasis on the use of local human and material resources which will create about 700, 000 jobs.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the on going Motor Fair in Abuja, Vice President, Arch. Namadi Sambo, said Nigerians should expected in the shortest possible time that locally made vehicles will flood the roads and markets
Recently, the ministry of industry, trade and investment released the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) as part of an overall National Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) to ensure the survival and growth of the Nigerian automotive industry.
According to the Vice President who was represented at the opening ceremony of the fair by Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, said NAIDP recognises the strategic and catalytic roles of the automotive industry in the economic development of any nation.
“This includes its capacity for employment creation, GDP contribution and small, medium and micro-enterprises (SME) development. This, as envisaged will form the foundation of other modern advanced manufacturing activities.
To achieve this goal, he therefore urged “that all hands must be on deck” while acknowledging that everyone must work together to accomplish a lot in the automotive industry”
The vice president added that soon, “made-in-Nigeria cars will jostle for space in motor fairs both in Nigeria and globally, along with the Toyotas, the Hondas and Peugeots of this world,” he said.
He said the federal government commitment to the promotion of manufacturing and assemblage of automobiles as a strategy of launching Nigeria into the class of car manufacturing nations is without doubt.
The necessity to move Nigeria from an automobile consumer nation to producers cannot be over emphasised.
He commended the tenacity of the organisers for sustaining the event, and also their passion and commitment to the promotion of automobile market in Nigeria; expressing optimism that it would grow into the largest motor fair in Africa and become the gateway to the African auto-market.