Nigeria First: FG orders ministries, agencies to buy vehicles from local assemblers

The Federal Government has directed all ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to purchase vehicles exclusively from licensed local assemblers or authorised retailers under its Nigeria First Policy.

According to Channels Television, the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, announced the directive in Abuja.

He said government agencies seeking foreign-assembled vehicles must demonstrate that no local alternative exists and obtain presidential approval.

“We are fundamentally shifting the Nigeria First Policy. All vehicles procured by ministries, departments and agencies, including project utility vehicles, must be sourced exclusively from licensed local assemblers or their authorised retailers.”

Osanipin disclosed that Nigeria’s vehicle assembly plants have an annual production capacity of 370,520 units.

He warned that violations could attract blacklisting and licence revocation.

The Bureau of Public Procurement also urged manufacturers to improve vehicle quality, invest in technology and strengthen after-sales services.

The government said the policy would create jobs, reduce imports and encourage domestic automotive production.