Nigeria advances local automotive industry through new policy and motor fair

The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) are advancing a ‘Nigeria-first’ policy to bolster the domestic automotive sector. The initiative aims to increase local production, create jobs, and encourage the use of made-in-Nigeria vehicles and components. To support this, the NADDC intends to assist local assemblers in transitioning from Semi Knocked Down (SKD) assembly to Complete Knocked Down (CKD) production.

Following directives from President Bola Tinubu, the BPP is developing an institutional framework and standard policies to guide government organizations in implementing this policy. The NADDC has indicated that companies failing to comply with established automotive regulations may be denied access to government patronage.

Additionally, the NADDC will host the 26th Abuja International Motor Fair from November 10 to 13, 2026, at Eagle Square. The event, themed ‘Driving Nigeria’s Automotive Future’, serves as a platform for manufacturers, investors, and policymakers to discuss industrialization, economic diversification, and the transition toward CNG and electric mobility.