By Moses Akaigwe
The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and the Nigeria Automobiles Manufacturers Association (NAMA) have agreed to collaborate on speedy passage into law and proper implementation of the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) .
This was the highpoint of discussions the NADDC Director General, Mr. Joseph Osanipin, and the leadership of NAMA held recently when the latter paid him a courtesy visit in his office in the Gudu area of Abuja, on Thursday, November 16.
Welcoming the guests, the Director General highlighted the enormous opportunities embedded in the automotive industry which could be unlocked through partnership with stakeholders
Osanipin stated, however, that the huge potentials could only be fully harnessed through a well structured and properly implemented Auto Policy.
In his words, “The Auto Policy is key to the growth and development of the automotive industry. We will engage major stakeholders on speedy passage of the NAIDP bill and steps will be discussed and taken on how to go about proper implementation”.
The DG expressed the Council’s readiness to collaborate with relevant stakeholders including NAMA in the NAIDP project.
The NAMA team was led by the Chairman, Mr. Bawo Omagbitse of PAN Nigeria, who in his remarks commended the willingness of the Director General to meet with stakeholders.
This, according to him, is a sign that the collaboration between NADDC and NAMA would move in the right direction.
He stressed that NAMA is critical for technological development of the auto industry and assured of the full support of the team members from various segments of the industry and their zeal to share knowledge with the Council for the growth and development of the industry.
The NAMA team shared its opinions on lthe NAIDP 2023 and made suggestions towards a successful implementation, which the DG acknowledged and expressed appreciation for.
With the Chairman in the six-man NAMA delegation were Taiwo Oluleye, Managing Director of PAN Nigeria, Kaduna; and Frank Nneji, Managing Director of Transit Support Services (TSS), assemblers of mini buses and light commercial vehicles in Emene, Enugu.
Benneth Ejindu of ANAMMCO, Emene, Enugu; Femi Olafunmiloye, Managing Director, Lafbart Innovations & Consulting Ltd, Akure; and Remi Olaofe, Executive Director, NAMA, were also part of the manufacturers’ association team that met the NADDC DG.