The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), led by its Director-General, Chief Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, facilitated a two-day oversight visit by the Senate Committee on Industry to key automotive manufacturing and assembly facilities in the South-East region. The visit, which took place from October 29 to 30, 2025, covered major indigenous automotive companies including Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM), OMAA Motors, and ANAMMCO.
During the tour, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industry, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, praised the efforts of Nigeria’s local automobile manufacturers and highlighted the economic potential of the sector. He stated that the industry could play a crucial role in industrialization, employment creation, and reducing dependence on imported vehicles.
“From Innoson in Nnewi to OMAA Motors and ANAMMCO in Enugu, we have seen that there are huge potentials being underutilized due to lack of patronage by Federal and State Governments. If the government patronizes our local assemblers and CNG bus producers, Nigeria would save valuable foreign exchange and strengthen its economy. The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is truly working and these indigenous assemblers are clear testimony to that,” Senator Fadahunsi said.
He further noted that Nigerian vehicle manufacturers have the capacity to meet all government vehicle needs if given adequate policy backing and financial support. According to him, “We are urging Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to patronize locally assembled vehicles. Every vehicle produced and purchased in Nigeria contributes directly to our economy and creates jobs. Innoson currently employs over 7,000 people, while ANAMMCO has the capacity to employ up to 5,000. The Senate will continue to support these efforts through appropriate legislation to encourage mass production and gradually reduce the importation of used vehicles.”
In his remarks, the Director-General of NADDC, Chief Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, commended the Senate Committee for its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s automotive industry. He described the visit as impactful and essential for identifying ways to boost local production. “This visit is timely and impactful. The automotive industry has the capacity to generate significant multiplier effects across the economy in employment, technical skills, marketing, and finance. Our inspection revealed that Nigeria has the technical expertise and capacity to meet local demand for automotive components such as plastics. For instance, Innoson is producing vital plastic parts locally, while ANAMMCO is revamping previously grounded vehicles and transforming them into fully functional ones,” Chief Osanipin explained.
Chief Osanipin also emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting local automotive manufacturing through policies and financial initiatives. He said, “With the Nigerian First Policy of the current administration and the introduction of credit support schemes such as CREDICORP, government is not only encouraging institutional patronage but also enabling individuals to access financing for locally assembled vehicles. In addition, legislative measures being developed will promote investment and accelerate growth in the auto industry.”
The oversight visit provided the Senate Committee an opportunity to interact directly with automotive industry stakeholders, understand existing challenges, and identify policy interventions that would further stimulate growth, investment, and employment in Nigeria’s auto sector.
The NADDC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s economic diversification goals through industrial development and local content promotion. The Council stated that it remains dedicated to advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by ensuring the automotive sector becomes a strong pillar of national economic growth and sustainable industrialization.
