FG Accelerates Automotive Revolution with Inauguration of NADDC Governing Board

The Hon. Min. of State (Industry) , FMITI , Sen. John Owan Enoh (2nd right), the Perm. Sec. FMITI, Amb. Nura Abba Rimi, (1st right) the DG NADDC, Mr Joseph Osanipin (1st left) and the Chairman of the just Inaugurated Governing Board NADDC,Chief Emmanuel Eneukwu (2nd left), in a group photograph after the inauguration of the Governing Board of NADDC by the Hon. Min. of State (Industry)FMITI, on wednesday in Abuja.

Abuja: Nigeria's Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, on Wednesday in the nation's capital, 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.” Senator John Owan Enoch disclosed, in a statement issued and signed by Dr. Adebayo Thomas, Director of Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, FMITI.

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, saying; “Today fulfils a key presidential mandate.” 

“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.