FG directs agencies to buy vehicles from local assemblers, sets import exception

Federal ministries, departments and agencies must buy vehicles from licensed local assemblers or their authorised retailers under the Nigeria First Policy, the National Automotive Design and Development Council has said.

The requirement also covers project utility vehicles. An agency seeking a foreign-assembled vehicle must show that no domestic alternative exists and obtain direct presidential approval.

NADDC Director-General Joseph Osanipin outlined the requirements at a joint press conference with the Bureau of Public Procurement in Abuja on Friday. He said the council had concluded arrangements to implement the policy signed by President Bola Tinubu.

Every vehicle supplied to government must have a traceable Vehicle Identification Number verified through NADDC. Osanipin said supplies outside licensed local assembly lines would attract sanctions, including blacklisting and licence revocation.

Channels Television reported that Osanipin put the annual capacity of Nigeria’s assembly plants at 370,520 vehicles. He urged local assemblers to increase production, improve quality and strengthen after-sales services as government procurement shifts towards domestic manufacturers.

Osanipin said reliance on foreign-assembled vehicles had put pressure on foreign-exchange reserves and limited domestic manufacturing and employment. He said the council would work with BPP to implement the procurement requirements.

BPP Director-General Adebowale Adedokun urged manufacturers to invest in technology, quality control and maintenance services. The bureau warned that poor quality, inadequate after-sales support and policy violations would attract sanctions.

Sources: Daily Trust, Channels Television