Nigeria’s automobile sector could become a major economic driver if the federal government embraces a bold local content policy, says Professor Oscar Odiboh, an automotive expert and lecturer at Delta State University, Abraka.

Speaking at the Nigeria Auto Industry Summit (NAISU) in Lagos, organised by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association, Prof. Odiboh made a passionate case for a “Nigeria First” agenda. He proposed the creation of a National Automotive Economy Agency (NAEA) to industrialise the sector and boost job creation.

From Auto Industry to Auto Economy

“Let’s stop calling it the auto industry. It’s time to refer to it as the auto economy,” Odiboh declared. “Every stakeholder should henceforth be regarded as an automotive investor.”

He proposed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should establish the NAEA with a $5 billion seed grant and a 25-year profit gestation plan to strategically grow the sector.

Boosting Local Content and Jobs

Odiboh challenged Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to source more of their materials, services, and labour locally, arguing that a robust local value chain would stimulate economic growth and innovation.

“We must dismantle unfair external advantages and promote healthy local competition and co-creation,” he said.

He advocated a gradual phase-out of CKD and SKD imports, to deepen local industrial capacity and backward integration.

Agencies Must Step Up

Prof. Odiboh called on key government agencies to play more active roles:

• NADDC: Ensure originality in Nigerian vehicle design and engineering.
• NCDMB & SON: Enforce local content compliance and quality standards.
• NOA: Promote national pride and patronage of Nigerian-made cars.
• NBTE: Partner with OEMs and technical institutions to train skilled workers.

Patriotism and Policy Must Align

Odiboh stressed that changing public attitudes is crucial. “Government agencies must drive the use of Nigerian-made vehicles,” he said, urging a collective commitment to reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imports.

He concluded that building an auto economy is not just about vehicles — it’s about reshaping Nigeria’s industrial landscape and empowering future generations through job creation, innovation, and inclusive growth.