FG to manufacturers: This is a good time to produce cars in Nigeria

The federal government has restated its support to automobile investors for the production of cars in Nigeria.

Doris Uzoka-Anite, minister of industry, trade and investment, spoke in a meeting with industry stakeholders in Abuja on May 3.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) and the Nigerian Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA).

Uzoka-Anite urged AAAM to reopen its business in Nigeria, saying the government would continue to provide an enabling environment for doing business.

According to the minister, President Bola Tinubu-led administration is keen on driving industrialisation in the country.

“We want to see your presence here, we know you shut down your plants because some things were not happening, but we want you to reopen your plants,” she said.

“We want to assure you that those things are happening now, so have no fear whatsoever. If you have foreign exchange challenge to import your raw materials. we have raw materials here.

“Tell us what you need, and I am sure our components parts here will give it to you.If you have standard specifications, I am sure our SON will give you the support.

“If you have issues with certain policy implementation on trade policy, we are here. This is a working government. We do not just issue policies. We work.”

The minister said funds are available for the manufacturers, adding that Tinubu has pledged to ensure more funds are made available for manufacturers to access.

“For every manufacturer, this is a good time to produce in Nigeria. There are difficulties, but that is why we are here to solve them,” she said.

“The policy is no longer in-consistent in Nigeria. Whatever issue we have in Nigeria, we have a local solution to it, and we are proud of that.

“So do not be afraid, sit with the industry and see what we have, in areas you need more clarification we will be happy to provide that.

“What we are saying to you is that you have to produce here because we do not want to continue to import.’’

Uzoka-Anite reiterated the desire of the government to support every manufacturer in the country, both local and foreign, with policies, incentives, and every support necessary to thrive.

She said the economy is challenging “but it is through the challenges that you will have the opportunities”.

“So, I encourage you to invest. We will make sure we continue to create the enabling environment to support industrialisation and the growth of our economy,” Uzoka-Anite said.

According to the minister, there is a huge demand for vehicles, which has led to increased importation of already-used cars in the country.

Uzoka-Anite also spoke on the need to increase the production of Nigerian-made vehicles at an affordable cost to reduce the importation of used vehicles into the country.

“If the cars we produce are not cheap enough and do not meet our demand, then there is no way we can stop the importation of vehicles, and that is why we have started this journey,” she said.

Uzoka-Anite said one of the ways to reduce costs effectively is to make sure materials are sourced locally.