The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, today formally inaugurated the Governing Board of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), signalling a bold commitment to transform Nigeria’s automotive sector under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“This inauguration is more than a ceremony—it underscores our determination to strengthen Nigeria’s automotive industry,” Senator Enoh declared. “By appointing a technically proficient and highly professional board, Mr. President has demonstrated his resolve to deliver industrial revival and sustainable growth.”
*Board Mandate and Strategic Priorities*
The newly inaugurated NADDC Governing Board is charged with:
• Strategic planning and policy formulation to guide the auto sector’s expansion
• Engaging stakeholders across government, industry, and academia
• Developing infrastructure and technical skills for local vehicle production
• Attracting domestic and foreign investment to automotive projects
• Promoting Nigeria First through local content requirements and alternative-energy vehicles, including CNG and electric cars.
Senator Enoh stressed the need for a robust legislative framework to instil confidence in heavy investors and ensure “made-in-Nigeria” vehicles dominate our roads.
Leadership Perspectives
Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, applauded President Tinubu’s directive to fill the NADDC board. “Today fulfils a key presidential mandate,” he said. “The calibre of this board reflects the administration’s faith in their ability to drive our automotive ambitions.”
Chief Emma Eneukwu, OFR, the newly sworn-in Chairman of NADDC, paid tribute to the President’s faith and outlined the board’s vision:
• Align the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) with global best practices
• Expand local vehicle manufacturing to reduce import dependency and conserve foreign exchange
• Spur innovation, job creation, and skills development throughout the automotive value chain
• Fast-track adoption of green mobility solutions, including CNG and electric vehicles
• Forge partnerships with investors, academic institutions, and international auto leaders.
“This appointment is a call to national service at a defining moment for Nigeria’s economy,” Chief Eneukwu remarked. “We will deliver measurable results—building a globally competitive, self-sufficient automotive industry grounded in the Nigeria First Policy.”
*Next Steps*
The NADDC board will immediately:
• Convene its first strategic planning session to refine policy priorities
• Launch stakeholder consultations across all six geopolitical zones
• Present legislative proposals to the National Assembly for local content enforcement
• Initiate pilot projects in Special Economic Zones to showcase “made-in-Nigeria” vehicles– Ends –
Dr Adebayo Thomas
Director, Press and Public Relations
23rd July 2025
