The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has announced the establishment of critical structures and frameworks to kickstart local production of vehicle spare parts in Nigeria. This initiative is a bold step toward reducing the country’s heavy reliance on imported spare parts, which currently cost the nation $1 billion annually.
The NADDC Director General, Joseph Osanipin, made this revelation during the conclusion of a two-week automotive engineering and software design training held in Abuja. The program, organized in collaboration with South Korea’s Midas IT Co., focused on equipping Nigerian engineers with skills in Midas NFX software, an advanced platform for design and analysis.
Transforming Nigeria’s Automotive Industry
Speaking on behalf of the Director General, Fidelis Achiv, the NADDC’s Director of Research Design and Development, emphasized the council’s commitment to reshaping Nigeria’s automotive industry by increasing the proportion of locally manufactured components in vehicle assembly.
“We are working to achieve a level where up to 40% of vehicle components are locally manufactured. Currently, the assembly process in Nigeria is not adding much value, as most vehicles arrive fully built and are only reassembled locally. Our goal is to move to a system where vehicles come in unpainted, with welding, component production, and assembly done here, creating more jobs and driving economic growth,” Achiv explained.
With over 11 million vehicles on Nigerian roads, Achiv highlighted the vast market potential. “Of the 3,000 parts in a vehicle, if we can focus on producing just 10 key components that meet global standards, Nigeria can establish itself as a significant player in the automotive industry. The economic benefits will be immense.”
Training Engineers for Innovation
The automotive engineering training, which hosted 15 participants, aimed to equip Nigerian engineers with the skills needed to drive this transformation.
Abdul-Lawal Zubair, Managing Director of FAZSAL Nigeria Limited, urged participants to apply their newfound expertise to solve industry challenges. “You’ve been trained not only in theory but also in practical application. Use these skills to address real issues in the automotive sector. This is an opportunity to innovate and demonstrate your capabilities,” he said.
Participant Reactions
Participants expressed enthusiasm for the training and its potential impact on their careers and the industry. Lukman, one of the trainees, described the program as eye-opening. “This training has expanded my thinking. The Midas NFX software is exceptional for modeling and analysis. We are now better equipped to design and produce components locally, contributing to Nigeria’s self-sufficiency,” he stated.
A Vision for the Future
The NADDC’s initiative represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward industrialization and economic self-reliance. By focusing on local production, the council aims to not only save foreign exchange but also create jobs, foster innovation, and position Nigeria as a leader in the African automotive sector.