The Federal Government has directed all ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to purchase vehicles exclusively from licensed local assemblers or their authorised retailers, warning that foreign-assembled vehicles will only be allowed with direct presidential clearance.
The directive, introduced under the Nigeria First Policy, is aimed at promoting local vehicle manufacturing, creating jobs, reducing imports and strengthening domestic component production.
The Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, announced the policy in Abuja, disclosing that Nigeria’s vehicle assembly plants have an annual production capacity of 370,520 vehicles.
Osanipin said the government was changing its procurement approach to ensure public institutions prioritise vehicles assembled locally, including utility vehicles required for government projects.
He explained that any MDA seeking to purchase a foreign-assembled vehicle must demonstrate that no suitable domestic alternative exists and obtain direct presidential approval.
The NADDC chief also warned that every vehicle supplied to the government must have a traceable Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), verified through the council.
He added that suppliers who violate the directive could face sanctions, including blacklisting and revocation of their licences.
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Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Adebowale Adedokun, urged local assemblers to improve vehicle quality, invest in technology and strengthen after-sales services to meet government standards.
The government said the policy would support the growth of Nigeria’s automotive industry by encouraging local production and reducing reliance on imported vehicles.
