Nigeria To Begin Local Production Of Plastic Auto Parts – Naddc Boss

The Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Oluwemimo Osanipin, has announced that Nigeria will soon commence the manufacturing of plastic components for automobiles.

Speaking at a stakeholder meeting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Wednesday, Osanipin noted that the council has identified plastic vehicle parts—derived from petroleum by-products—as areas where Nigeria enjoys a competitive production advantage.

He reaffirmed the council’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s “Nigeria First Policy,” which encourages the patronage of locally made products.

“We’ve consistently pushed for this policy, which promotes the use of made-in-Nigeria goods, especially in the automotive sector—a key area of government expenditure,” he said.

“This policy will positively influence our current efforts to expand the local auto industry. We’ve pinpointed components, particularly plastic ones, that can be produced more cheaply here using local resources. We’re collaborating with major assemblers and vehicle manufacturers to make this a reality.”

Osanipin further revealed that twelve universities across Nigeria—two from each geopolitical zone—have been chosen to participate in a project to design and produce electric shuttle buses tailored for university campuses.

“We’ve initiated a programme involving 12 universities, which are currently developing designs for a fully electric ‘University Shuttle Bus.’ The designs will be Nigerian-made, with most parts sourced locally. Once finalized, we’ll engage with auto assemblers, manufacturers, and financiers such as the Bank of Industry to begin production,” he said.

He also urged stakeholders in the auto industry to support regulatory frameworks that promote vehicle safety and environmental sustainability. Meanwhile, the National President of Automotive Dealers of Nigeria, Ajibola Adedoyin, stressed the importance of effective regulation, citing benefits such as enhanced national security and improved government revenue.

Adedoyin called for stricter import controls, arguing that vehicles brought in outside of registered dealerships pose security risks.

“It’s unsafe to allow vehicle imports outside the regulated channels, as such vehicles can be untraceable and easily used in criminal activities. Proper regulation boosts both industry efficiency and national security,” he stated.

He, however, emphasized the need for the government to fine-tune its policies to keep vehicles affordable for ordinary Nigerians.