25th Abuja International Motor Fair : FG Moves To Transform Nigeria Into The Automotive Hub Of Sub-Saharan Africa

Abuja International Motor Fair : FG reiterates support to transform Nigeria into the Automotive Hub Of Sub-Saharan Africa.

Charges automakers in Nigeria to ramp up the production of CNG cars and electric vehicles to meet the country’s rising demands.

Says that “Driving Nigeria’s Automotive Future : Innovation, Sustainability and Growth” is not just a slogan but a national imperative.

Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has emphasized government’s resolve to transform Nigeria into the automotive hub of Sub-Saharan Africa, charging automakers in Nigeria to ramp up the production of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered and Electric Vehicles (EVs) to meet the country’s rising demands.

Shettima gave this charge on Tuesday 18th November 2025 during the 25th edition of the Abuja International Motor Fair, hosted by the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), in collaboration with BKG Exhibition.

Speaking at the event, Shettima, ably represented by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, reiterated that the theme “Driving Nigeria’s Automotive Future: Innovation, Sustainability and Growth” is not just a slogan but a national imperative.

He noted that it aligns perfectly with the Administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which encourages Nigerians to produce what they consume and consume what they produce. He emphasized the government’s resolve to transform Nigeria into the automotive hub of Sub-Saharan Africa.

“Under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the administration has embarked on essential reforms and taken decisive steps to stabilize the economy, clear the path for private enterprise, and plant the seeds for long-term sustainable growth.”

• See Also : From Governors To Ministers, Here Are Government Officials Who Use Made-in-Nigeria Vehicles As Official Cars

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to positioning the automotive sector as a driver of industrialization, economic diversification, and job creation.

Enoh highlighted progress recorded under the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) and assured stakeholders of consistent policy support to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

He also emphasized the government’s push for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Electric Vehicle (EV) adoption and encouraged financial institutions to develop innovative auto-financing solutions to boost access to locally assembled vehicles.

Also speaking at the event, the Director-General of NADDC, Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, expressed pride in the sector’s steady progress and acknowledged the commitment of industry stakeholders.

He highlighted the expansion of local assembly operations, with over 30 companies currently assembling vehicles, including Nigerian brands such as Innoson, Jet, and Nord.

He outlined ongoing initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including the development of an EV Policy, expansion of component manufacturing, and financing collaborations with the Bank of Industry (BOI) and Credit Corp to enhance affordability and access to locally assembled vehicles.

• See Also : ‘London Bus Aunty’, A UK-based Nigerian, Wins ‘Video Of The Year 2025’ At TikTok UK & Ireland Awards