The Federal Government’s directive that all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) should buy vehicles only from licensed Nigerian assemblers has received the backing of the Tinubu Stakeholders Forum (TSF), which also wants state governments to adopt similar policies.
The Forum said the directive, enforced under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Nigeria First Policy, is a major step towards reviving the automotive industry, creating jobs and strengthening domestic manufacturing.
In a statement made available on Friday by its Chairman, Ahmad Sajoh, and Secretary, Danjuma Sada, the group noted that Nigeria has substantial assembly capacity that remains underused despite strong demand for vehicles.
It cited the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) as saying the country’s assembly plants have a combined installed capacity of 370,520 vehicles annually.
TSF argued that prioritising locally assembled vehicles in government purchases would give indigenous manufacturers a more predictable market, raise factory output and open up investment opportunities across the automotive value chain.
“For too long, Nigeria has remained heavily dependent on imported vehicles despite possessing domestic automotive assembly facilities capable of meeting part of the country’s transportation needs,” the Forum stated.
According to the group, the Nigeria First Policy offers a chance to reverse this trend by making sure public spending supports Nigerian factories, sustains jobs and builds local manufacturing capabilities.
It added that higher assembly activity could lift demand in related sectors, including steel, rubber, plastics, glass, automotive components, logistics and maintenance services, spreading the benefits beyond vehicle manufacturers.
The Forum singled out for praise the requirement that any MDA wishing to buy foreign-assembled vehicles must show that no suitable local alternative exists and secure presidential clearance.
It also commended the introduction of vehicle identification number verification through NADDC, along with sanctions for non-compliance, as safeguards to ensure that government procurement truly benefits licensed local manufacturers.
TSF urged the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and NADDC to enforce strict compliance across MDAs while ensuring transparency, competitive pricing and value for public funds.
Turning to the states, the group said extending the policy to the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory would significantly widen the domestic market for locally assembled vehicles, give manufacturers greater certainty and stimulate investment in production facilities, employment and supply chains nationwide.
It also charged local manufacturers and assemblers to match the government’s commitment by strictly observing quality, safety and technical standards.
The Forum stressed that Nigerian-made vehicles must compete on durability, reliability, affordability and after-sales support, adding that lasting patronage would depend not only on procurement policy but also on manufacturers delivering products that meet international standards and win consumer confidence.
“Every vehicle purchased from a Nigerian assembly plant represents an opportunity to support employment, strengthen domestic supply chains and retain greater economic value within the country,” the Forum said.
TSF concluded that by linking public procurement to domestic production, the Federal Government has created an opportunity to turn existing assembly capacity into a stronger driver of industrialisation, employment and economic diversification.
