The Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, NADDC, Joseph Osanipin, has revealed that Nigeria spends over N1 trillion annually on vehicle imports, describing the figure as a major drain on the nation’s economy.
Osanipin disclosed this in Abuja during a one-day capacity-building training for journalists. He said the country could unlock greater economic benefits through the local assembly and production of vehicles, noting that Nigeria has all the resources required to build a strong and viable automotive industry.
Speaking on the theme, “Strengthening Sectoral Communication and Legislative Reporting in Nigeria’s Automotive Industry Development,” the NADDC Director-General urged the media to focus on reports that promote the patronage of Made-in-Nigeria products. He called for knowledge-based and accurate reporting, stressing that the Council is taking deliberate steps to promote the indigenous automotive sector.
He stated: “We want the media to change the narrative of negative stories about Nigeria.”
Osanipin reaffirmed NADDC’s commitment to not only developing the automotive industry but also facilitating technology transfer. According to him, this will help strengthen Nigeria’s foreign exchange position and improve its global competitiveness. He also called for collective action among Nigerians to enable the country dominate the African automotive market, adding that synergy among stakeholders and sustained economic reforms remain critical to achieving that goal.
Also speaking at the workshop, the Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Akin Rotimi, emphasised the readiness of the 10th House of Representatives to strengthen the economy through progressive reforms and effective legislative oversight. He expressed the determination of the House, under the leadership of Speaker Abbas, to promote capacity building among relevant stakeholders for national development.
Rotimi assured journalists of continued legislative support in the discharge of their duties. He described media practitioners as critical partners in nation-building and stressed the urgent need to equip them with up-to-date knowledge to enhance professional reporting.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief Executive Officer of Tattito Leadership and Professional Development Academy, TLPDA, Sheni Kasamito, said the programme was designed to equip journalists with essential knowledge of the automotive sector to ensure accurate reportage. He noted that accuracy in reporting is vital to promoting economic and political stability, especially on issues relating to automotive design and development.
In her address, the Chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, FCT Council, Grace Ike, explained that the workshop was aimed at strengthening accurate reporting in order to foster integrity and transparency. She commended the leadership of the 10th House of Representatives for organising the capacity-building workshop for media practitioners.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran, called for the promotion of Nigerian content as a catalyst for economic growth and financial stability.
Responding to questions from journalists, Director of Media and Publicity, Susan Bisong Taiwo, urged the media to support and promote the Bill passed by the National Assembly and currently awaiting presidential assent. She stated that once assented to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the proposed legislation would make it compulsory for Nigeria to halt the importation of certain categories of vehicles in order to stimulate local production.
