The Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr Adebowale Adedokun, says that the implementation of the Nigeria First Policy in the automobile sector will create jobs, attract investments and boost local manufacturing.
Speaking at the signing of a policy framework on procurement of locally assembled vehicles by government agencies in Abuja, Adedokun said that the policy would create employment opportunities for engineers, technologists and skilled workers in the automotive sector.
According to him, the initiative will also improve technical education and provide practical learning opportunities for students and graduates in engineering and related fields.
“In those days, students visited PAN, Volkswagen and Leyland to learn automobile manufacturing processes, engineering and quality assurance.
“This policy will revive such opportunities and help Nigeria rebuild technical capacity in the automotive industry,” he said.
The BPP boss added that the policy would encourage foreign direct investment, retain more money within the economy and position Nigeria as a production-driven nation rather than a consuming one.
He explained that the initiative will also stimulate the growth of small and medium-scale enterprises involved in the production of vehicle components and spare parts.
Adedokun acknowledged that local vehicle assemblers had already improved product quality and were providing reliable vehicles for government use.
According to him, manufacturers will be required to establish standard maintenance facilities across the country as part of the policy implementation.
In his speech, the Director-General, National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr Joseph Osanipin, described the policy as a major step toward transforming Nigeria’s automotive industry and economy.
Osanipin said that the policy had already attracted interest from global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and spare parts producers seeking to establish operations in Nigeria.
According to him, the automotive industry has strong linkages with sectors such as steel, oil and gas, lubricants and technical services, making it critical to industrial development.
He said that NADDC was establishing a National Automotive Training Institute to build the technical capacity required to support the policy implementation.
Osanipin added that the council was also working with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to certify skilled workers in the automotive sector, adding that the policy would revolutionise Nigeria’s industrial landscape and strengthen local content development in the automobile industry.
GIK/APA