President Goodluck Jonathan says the vision of his administration to revamp the capability of Nigeria’s automobile sector to export locally manufactured cars “is near realisation”.
Jonathan stated this on Thursday at the 2014 Democracy Day celebration held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
Jonathan, who inspected locally assembled Nissan Saloon cars, Pick-Up Van and SUV at the venue of the programme, said the administration had proved Doubting Thomases wrong.
He said when he promised in 2013 that made-in Nigeria cars would be rolled out in the country in April and that Nigeria would soon be exporting cars, he was lampooned on the pages of newspapers.
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He commended Nissan Group for keying into the new automotive policy of the federal government and urged other multinational auto companies to take a cue from Nissan.
Jonathan also used the occasion to present his administration’s third anniversary report of the transformation agenda.
The report gave the accounts of the administration’s stewardship in every sector of the economy in the last one year.
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Jonathan said the report, which was also rendered in multimedia video clip to the audience, authenticated that things are working in the country in spite of the security challenges.
The event was attended by Vice President Namadi Sambo, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Maryam Aloma Mukhtar, Ministers and members of Diomatic Corps.
The First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, former Head of Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, former Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme and former Chief of General Staff, Gen. Oladipo Diya also attended the event.
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4 comments
Does this government meant well for Nigeria and Nigerians? This cannot said to be made Nigeria car. At best it should be assemble In Nigeria. That is what Innocent Vehicle is doing in Enewi loo. This is a sign of desperate achiever.
I advise that we give this process an opportunity to succeed. I am not really a fan of the president but I believe he is striving to transform Nigeria Well done our President.I think the problem we have as a people is that we have been lied to too many times that we we don’t want to believe anything though it is so apparent. My ‘mechanic’ told me the other day that he is going to renew his license because of the new cars that will be rolled out in Nigeria.
I am not being pessimist about Mr President’s ambition but I want to be cleared please. Is it made in Nigeria or assembled in Nigeria cars? Because I have been following China and Malaysian automobile industries, and I know what it takes for them to blend. After several trial and attempt China was able to export locally manufactured cars through indigenous firm such as Gilly (but still facing rejection in the International market), while Malaysian Proton is still operating at local level. Have we really leapfrogged China and Malaysia in auto mechanics?
When PAN ,VON etc disappeared from the scene we said nothing but went in search of “tokunbo”. We should at least be thankful that something positive is happening again. Some people will be employed….whether it is assembly plant or manufacturing plant this is a positive step for our nation. May we see more positive news from our dear nation.