By Aliyu Galadima
Bureau of Public Procurement ,BPP, and the National Automotive Design and Development Council ,NADDC, are strengthening collaboration to revitalise Nigeria’s automotive industry and boost local content production.
During a courtesy visit to the BPP headquarters in Abuja, the Director-General of NADDC, Mr. Oluwemimo Osanipin, laid out the council’s strategic plan to transition the nation’s vehicle assembly model from Semi Knocked Down ,SKD, to Complete Knocked Down ,CKD.
He said the move would stimulate economic growth, generate employment, and enhance local content.
In order to better support industry growth, Osanipin called for greater government support, specifically through increased use of locally assembled vehicles, credit access programs, and a review of the 2020 Finance Act.
He also outlined major barriers to the industry, such as high tariffs and insufficient funding.
In reply, the head of BPP, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, emphasized the Bureau’s commitment being open, responsible, and honest in public procurement processes.
He promised to support NADDC’s projects and pointed out the current work to move the list of certified local vehicle makers online to improve organization and ease of access.
Adedokun also warned against the practice of submitting multiple lists of local vehicle brands to the Bureau and the substitution of refurbished vehicles for new ones in procurement processes.
“This is part of a complete paradigm shift that will ensure transparency, proper coordination, and ease of access for stakeholders”, he stated.
The meeting reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting local production and fostering an environment that encourages industrial growth.
He also gave NADDC the assurance that President Bola Tinubu and other federal agencies would continue to support them in achieving the common objective of developing a stronger and more competitive automotive sector.
