The Senate Committee on Industry, working with the National Automotive Design and Development Council, held a major stakeholders’ roundtable on 17th November 2025 to set a renewed legislative direction for the Nigerian automotive industry. The meeting, themed Revitalizing Nigeria’s Automotive Industry: Legislative Pathway for Innovation, Investment and Industrial Growth, brought together lawmakers, industry experts and investors focused on improving local manufacturing, clean mobility and economic growth.
Representing the Senate President, Deputy Senate Leader Sen. Lola Ashiru described the automotive sector as the spine of modern industrial development. He stated that the 10th Senate remains committed to providing a strong legal framework that encourages investment, protects local manufacturers and positions Nigeria for growth in electric vehicles, CNG vehicles and clean-energy mobility. He noted that a stable policy environment is important for attracting long-term industrial financing and increasing foreign investment in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industry, Sen. Francis A. Fadahunsi, stressed the need to close the gap between Nigeria’s potential and its current realities. He said there is an urgent need to review the NAIDP covering 2014 to 2024, deepen local content, and address industry challenges through updated policy and legislation. He explained that stronger regulations will help Nigeria compete in the global automotive market and boost job creation.
NADDC Director-General, Chief Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, said the NAIDP has already supported the revival of local vehicle assembly, the establishment of 18 Automotive Training Centres, testing centres and skills training for thousands of young Nigerians. He added that Nigeria now has an installed capacity of over 400,000 vehicles and has attracted more than one billion dollars in foreign investment. However, he warned that the absence of a formal legal backing limits stability and investor confidence.
He outlined the seven pillars of the updated NAIDP 2023 and called for the quick passage of the NAIDP Bill. He also highlighted collaborations with Hejia Industrial Group, CREDICORP and AMDON, alongside the rollout of the End-of-Life Vehicle Recycling Regulation to expand opportunities across the automotive value chain.
The roundtable reaffirmed a shared vision for stronger legislation, wider collaboration and innovation aimed at building a competitive and technology-driven automotive ecosystem that supports jobs and boosts industrial growth.
