FG to commence design of local vehicles

Ifeanyi Onuba, Abuja

The Federal Government in a bid to encourage the patronage of made-in-Nigeria vehicles has said it would soon commence the design of local vehicles that would reduce the preference of Nigerians for foreign brands.

The newly appointed Director-General, National Automotive Design, and Development Council, Mr. Jelani Aliyu, disclosed this during a chat with journalists on Monday in Abuja.

He said one of his major priority is to add significant value to the auto industry by coming up with innovation that would enable the country to have transport solutions that are in tune with its culture, climate, geography and economic structure.

He said at a time when many countries of the world are using technology to address their problems, Nigeria cannot be left behind, adding that the agency would work with stakeholders in the auto industry to empower talented youths with the necessary skills.

This, he added would be achieved through professional training in contemporary automotive design and development, as well as through leveraging on the most sophisticated technology.

He said, “The importance of the automotive sector in any nation, whether developed or developing, cannot be underestimated, as it is both the direct provider of the logistics of life and the enabler of exponential multiplier effects.

“And so, as the NADDC, this is an opportunity that we must seize to energize the automotive sector and make Nigeria not just another manufacturer of automobiles, but an advanced hub of automotive innovation that will set forth the future of Africa’s transportation solutions.

“We shall empower our talented youth with the necessary professional training in contemporary automotive design and development, leveraging the most sophisticated technology, so they will innovate, design and develop automotive and transportation solutions that are in tune with our culture, climate, geography and economic structure.”