The Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, has announced the federal government’s commitment to transitioning from Semi-Knocked Down (SKD) to Complete Knocked Down (CKD) vehicle assembly in Nigeria.
This initiative aims to reduce reliance on imported vehicles by investing in locally made vehicles.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to prioritize purchasing vehicles manufactured or assembled in Nigeria.
During an inspection of Lanre Shittu Motors Assembly Plant in Lagos, Osanipin highlighted the need for increased local content in vehicle production and called on Nigerians to embrace locally assembled vehicles.
He emphasized that the government’s support, including mandatory patronage of Nigerian-made vehicles, is crucial for the success of this transition.
This shift is part of the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP), which envisions a full CKD assembly process in Nigeria.
Lanre Shittu Motors is already producing CNG-powered mass transit buses and has plans to expand production.
The company’s managing director, Mr. Taiwo Shittu, mentioned that they are preparing for increased demand following the removal of fuel subsidies by the federal government.
He stressed the importance of after-sale support, with significant investment in spare parts to ensure the success of locally assembled vehicles.
(Daily Trust)