The Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) Joseph Osanipin has revealed that only 6 per cent of Nigerians own vehicles in the country.

He stated this yesterday during a meeting with vehicle component manufacturers to seek ways of boosting efficiency and local production in the automotive sector.

According to him, “Here in Nigeria, Vehicle ownership is 6% of the general population as of 2018 (which is approximately 12m) while in South Africa it is about 17.4%. Therefore, in order to achieve this and more we need to harness the collective talents and resources at our disposal to drive sustainable growth and development in the sector.

“As we all know Nigeria is blessed with a variety of natural resources that are basic raw materials for production of components parts. NADDC strategic plan is to focus more on component parts to aid the development of the automotive industry and push for the transition of our assemblers from SKD to CKD auto manufacturers,” he explained.

He urged the component manufacturers to remain steadfast and innovation, and inclusivity adding that “Together, we have the power to reshape the future of mobility in Nigeria a chart a course towards prosperity for generations to come,”

Also speaking, the Perm Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Nura Abba Rimi noted that the meeting is focused on revival of the automotive components to chart a new cause for a vibrant and sustainable sector, adding that “The federal government will accelerate synergy, with component manufacturers to unlock full potentials of the sector,” (Daily Trust)