Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The National Automotive Design and Development Council, NADDC, in collaboration with BKG Exhibition, hosted the 25th Abuja International Motor Fair, a landmark Silver Jubilee edition marking twenty-five years of automotive exhibition and industry growth in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima who was represented by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, reiterated that the theme “Driving Nigeria’s Automotive Future: Innovation, Sustainability and Growth” is not just a slogan but a national imperative. He noted that it aligns perfectly with the Administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which encourages Nigerians to produce what they consume and consume what they produce.
He emphasized the government’s resolve to transform Nigeria into the automotive hub of Sub-Saharan Africa. “Under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the administration has embarked on essential reforms and taken decisive steps to stabilize the economy, clear the path for private enterprise, and plant the seeds for long-term sustainable growth,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to positioning the automotive sector as a driver of industrialization, economic diversification, and job creation. He highlighted progress recorded under the National Automotive Industry Development Plan, NAIDP, and assured stakeholders of consistent policy support to attract Foreign Direct Investment, FDI. He also emphasized the government’s push for Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, and Electric Vehicle, EV, adoption and encouraged financial institutions to develop innovative auto-financing solutions to boost access to locally assembled vehicles.
In his welcome address, the Board Chairman of NADDC, Emma Eneukwu, described the Silver Jubilee as a milestone symbolizing resilience and sectoral growth. He reaffirmed the alignment of the Motor Fair with the government’s industrialization agenda and noted advancements in local component manufacturing, vehicle assembly, and EV/CNG technology. He urged State Governments and international partners to leverage emerging investment opportunities, particularly in developing automotive industrial parks nationwide.
The Director-General of NADDC, Chief Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, expressed pride in the sector’s steady progress and acknowledged the commitment of industry stakeholders. He highlighted the expansion of local assembly operations, with over 30 companies currently assembling vehicles, including Nigerian brands such as Innoson, Jet, and Nord.
He outlined ongoing initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including the development of an EV Policy, expansion of component manufacturing, and financing collaborations with the Bank of Industry, BOI, and Credit Corp to enhance affordability and access to locally assembled vehicles. He also commended the Chairman BKG Exhibition ltd, Mr. Ifeanyi Agwu, for sustaining a platform that has supported industry development for 25 years.
The 25th Abuja International Motor Fair stands as a historic celebration, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to building a competitive, innovative, and sustainable automotive industry.
