By Rotimi Asher
Appropriate regulatory framework for the Nigeria auto industry will provide the foundation for sustainable local manufacturing, job creation and investor confidence.
Without it, the sector remains vulnerable to unchecked used vehicle imports, and the country risks missing out on the opportunities industrialisation can bring.
Victoria Backhaus-Jerling, CEO, African Association of Automotive Manufacturers ,AAAM, affirmed this in her virtual goodwill message for the 2025 Nigeria Auto Industry Summit held last week at LCCI Buillding, Ikeja, Lagos
She said, ‘’Africa is the world’s last automotive frontier and Nigeria holds a powerful place in that future. With its scale, talent and entrepreneurial spirit, Nigeria has all the right ingredients to lead. What’s needed now is policy certainty to match that potential.
Backhaus-Jerling noted that Nigeria’s journey has already begun. But to realise its full potential, the industry needs legal backing. It needs the right policy to be implemented.
She stressed that AAAM work with governments and partners across the continent to enable policies and auto programmes, attract investment and unlock regional value chains under the African Continental Free Trade Area ,AfCFTA.
‘’With our members from across Africa, she explained”, the local industry and pan African partners share the same vision for Africa to manufacture on the continent for the continent. Whether it is the manufacturing of vehicles, components or the processing of minerals. I do believe that every country can be part of an automotive value chain. It is the role of the governments with the support of the private industry to determine which role a country can play.
Backhaus-Jerling urged the government of Nigeria to provide the right regulatory framework, as a foundation for sustainable local manufacturing.
According to her, the country will miss a lot of opportunities associated with industrialization and stifle its role as the biggest player in African Continental Free Trade Area ,AfCTA, if they failed to legalise their auto policy She hinted that AAAM remains a committed partner to Nigeria.
‘’We’ve seen what’s possible in countries like Morocco, Egypt, Ghana and South Africa– and we believe Nigeria can go even further. Political will and decisive action will be the game changers”, she said.
