Nigeria FG May Compel Government Functionaries to Purchase Made-in-Nigeria Vehicles

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has declared that top functionaries of the Federal Government may be compelled to buy made-in-Nigeria vehicles as official cars and other uses as a part of measures to boost local production of automobiles.

The vice president, who made this known in Abuja at the opening of the 17th edition of the Abuja International Motor Fair, also hinted at plans to review the nation’s automotive policy introduced in September 2013 to curtail the influx of used and fully assembled vehicles.

Osinbajo, who was represented at the event by the Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Mohammed Badamasuyi, said, “Government is aware that low patronage is one of the challenges confronting the domestic automobile industry in Nigeria. In this regard, this administration will lead the campaign of buying made-in-Nigeria vehicles through public procurement to stimulate the industry.”

The vice-president also said the government will collaborate with the local automobile industries and banks to provide interested individuals with soft loans to enable the masses to purchase locally-made cars at discounted prices and pay over a period of time.

While expressing concern over the high cost of importing vehicles into the country and its impact on the economy, he added that the government was seeking ways to improve the auto policy to address the problem.