Uyo, Akwa Ibom – The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has announced plans to commence local production of plastic automotive components in Nigeria, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the nation’s automotive industry and promote economic self-reliance.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement in Uyo on Wednesday, NADDC Director-General Mr. Oluwemimo Osanipin said Nigeria has a comparative advantage in producing plastic vehicle parts derived from petroleum by-products. He said this move aligns with the Federal Government’s “Nigeria First Policy,” which encourages patronage of locally manufactured goods, particularly in high-spending sectors like the automotive industry.

“We have been advocating this policy for years,” Osanipin noted. “It will have a direct impact on what we are doing in the automotive sector. We’ve identified several vehicle components—especially plastic ones—that can be cost-effectively produced in Nigeria using locally sourced petroleum by-products.”

Osanipin added that the council is collaborating with major assemblers and manufacturers to bring these plans to fruition. He emphasized that the domestic production of automotive parts would not only reduce reliance on imports but also create jobs and strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base.

In a major innovation push, Osanipin also unveiled a new initiative involving 12 Nigerian universities—two from each of the country’s six geopolitical zones—tasked with designing and building 100% electric shuttle buses for use on university campuses.

“These university shuttle buses will be designed locally, with most components sourced within Nigeria,” he said. “Once designs are finalized, we’ll engage auto assemblers, manufacturers, and financiers—including the Bank of Industry—to commence production.”

He called on industry stakeholders to embrace regulatory measures designed to ensure vehicle safety, promote environmental sustainability, and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global auto sector.

In his remarks, the National President of the Automotive Dealers of Nigeria, Mr. Ajibola Adedoyin, stressed the importance of regulatory compliance in the automotive trade. He said that a structured framework would enhance national security, improve revenue generation, and simplify vehicle tracing in criminal investigations.

“It’s unsafe and economically harmful to allow vehicles into the country without going through registered dealers,” Adedoyin said. “Untraceable vehicles pose serious security threats. With proper regulation, the government can not only raise revenue but also prevent crimes involving unregistered vehicles.”

Adedoyin also urged the government to refine its policies to ensure that vehicles remain affordable and accessible to average Nigerians, noting that inclusive policies would balance economic growth with public welfare.

The NADDC’s dual strategy—boosting local production of automotive components and investing in electric vehicle technology—signals a shift toward industrial innovation and sustainability in Nigeria’s transportation sector.