Tinubu’s vehicle procurement policy’ll boost local manufacturing — TSF
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Tinubu’s vehicle procurement policy’ll boost local manufacturing — TSF
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Tinubu Stakeholders Forum, TSF has commended the Federal Government’s directive requiring ministries, departments and agencies to procure vehicles from licensed local assemblers, describing it as a major step towards revitalising Nigeria’s automotive industry.
The forum said the directive, introduced under President Bola Tinubu’s Nigeria First Policy, would stimulate domestic manufacturing, create employment opportunities and reduce dependence on imported vehicles.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Ahmad Sajoh, and Secretary, Danjuma Sada, the group said the policy could help transform Nigeria’s underutilised vehicle assembly capacity into a driver of industrial growth.
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According to the National Automotive Design and Development Council, Nigeria’s automotive assembly plants have a combined installed capacity of 370,520 vehicles annually.
The forum argued that prioritising locally assembled vehicles in public procurement would provide manufacturers with a more predictable market, encourage increased production and attract investment across the automotive value chain.
“For too long, Nigeria has remained heavily dependent on imported vehicles despite possessing domestic automotive assembly facilities capable of meeting part of the country’s transportation needs,” the statement said.
It added that government procurement should support local factories, sustain jobs and encourage the development of domestic manufacturing capabilities.
The forum noted that increased vehicle assembly would also stimulate demand for products and services in related industries, including steel, rubber, plastics, glass, automotive components, logistics and vehicle maintenance.
It particularly welcomed the provision requiring ministries, departments and agencies seeking to purchase foreign-assembled vehicles to demonstrate that suitable domestic alternatives were unavailable and obtain presidential clearance.
The group also described vehicle identification number verification through the NADDC, alongside sanctions for non-compliance, as important measures for ensuring that the policy achieved its objectives.
It urged the Bureau of Public Procurement and the NADDC to ensure strict compliance with the directive across government agencies while maintaining transparency, competitive pricing and value for public funds.
The forum also called on state governments to adopt similar procurement policies, arguing that extending the initiative to the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory would expand the domestic market for locally assembled vehicles.
According to the group, wider adoption would provide manufacturers with greater certainty, encourage investment in production facilities and support job creation across the automotive supply chain.
However, the forum urged local vehicle manufacturers and assemblers to reciprocate the government’s support by maintaining established quality, safety and technical standards.
It said locally assembled vehicles must be competitive in durability, reliability, affordability and after-sales services to sustain public confidence and encourage wider acceptance among Nigerian consumers.
The forum maintained that government patronage alone would not guarantee the long-term success of the policy without improvements in product quality and competitiveness.
It said linking public procurement to domestic production presented an opportunity to strengthen industrialisation, diversify the economy and retain more economic value within Nigeria.
