Nigeria Takes Bold Steps to Localize Vehicle Spare Parts Production
The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), has announced significant progress toward localizing the production of key vehicle spare parts. This strategic move aims to reduce the country’s reliance on imported spare parts, which currently costs Nigeria a staggering $1 billion annually.
Speaking at the conclusion of a two-week automotive engineering and software training in Abuja, NADDC Director General Joseph Osanipin, represented by Fidelis Achiv, Director of the Directorate of Research Design and Development, revealed the council’s readiness to manufacture 10 essential spare parts locally.
These components will cater to the over 11 million vehicles on Nigerian roads, marking a significant step toward self-sufficiency in the automotive sector.
The training program, conducted in collaboration with Midas IT Co. of South Korea, focused on equipping 15 participants with expertise in Midas NFX software, a tool for advanced automotive design and modeling. The initiative underscores NADDC’s commitment to fostering local talent and enhancing Nigeria’s industrial capabilities.
Osanipin highlighted the need for a paradigm shift in Nigeria’s vehicle assembly process. “We are working to achieve a level whereby we can go back to assembling vehicles that have up to 40% locally manufactured components,” he said.
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Currently, vehicle assembly in Nigeria involves minimal local input, with most vehicles arriving as completely built units that require only basic reassembly. The council aims to transition to a model where significant components, including welding and painting, are done locally, adding value to the economy and creating employment opportunities.
With over 3,000 parts in a single vehicle, focusing on producing just 10 critical components locally could have a transformative impact on Nigeria’s economy. Osanipin expressed confidence in the potential market demand, emphasizing that high-quality, Nigerian-made components could compete globally.
“If we can leverage on producing just 10 parts that we can proudly say are made in Nigeria and are among the best globally, the market potential is enormous,” he said.
A key aspect of this initiative is building human capacity. The recently concluded training program provided participants with hands-on experience in automotive design using Midas NFX software. This software offers advanced capabilities for modeling and analysis, enabling engineers to create innovative solutions for the industry.
Abdul-Lawal Zubair, Managing Director of FAZSAL Nigeria Limited, encouraged participants to use their newfound skills to advance the automotive industry. “Don’t just know the software and keep it. Be innovative and provide solutions. Let this training be the stepping stone for greater opportunities,” he said.
One of the trainees, Lukman, expressed gratitude for the training, highlighting the versatility and practicality of the Midas NFX software. “This software is all about modeling and analysis, which makes it unique and comprehensive. The knowledge we gained has expanded our creativity and ability to innovate in line with market demands,” he shared.
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The NADDC’s initiative is not just about reducing import dependency; it is about laying the foundation for a robust automotive industry that supports economic diversification and job creation. By leveraging local talent and investing in technology, Nigeria is positioning itself to become a hub for automotive innovation and production in Africa.
As the NADDC sets its sights on achieving a 40% local assembly component, the focus will be on sustained investment in infrastructure, training, and collaboration with international partners. The council’s efforts align with Nigeria’s broader industrialization goals, fostering an environment where locally made products can thrive and compete on a global scale.
This bold move toward self-sufficiency in vehicle spare parts production signals a new era for Nigeria’s automotive industry, one where innovation, local talent, and economic growth intersect to drive the nation forward.