FG Orders MDAs to Procure Vehicles Exclusively from Local Assemblers
The Federal Government has directed ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to procure vehicles exclusively from licensed local assemblers or their authorised retailers under the Nigeria First Policy, while urging manufacturers to increase production, improve quality, and strengthen after-sales services.
Speaking in Abuja, the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, said Nigeria’s vehicle assembly plants had an annual production capacity of 370,520 vehicles.
He said prioritising local manufacturers in government procurement would create jobs, reduce imports, and support domestic production of vehicle components.
“We are fundamentally shifting the Nigeria First Policy. All vehicles procured by ministries, departments, and agencies, including project utility vehicles, must be sourced exclusively from licensed local assemblers or their authorised retailers.
“Also, no ministry, department, or agency may procure a foreign-assembled vehicle unless it explicitly proves the absence of a domestic alternative and obtains direct presidential clearance.
“Every vehicle supplied to the government must carry a traceable Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) verified through the NADDC. Any supply outside licensed local assembly lines will attract immediate regulatory sanctions, including blacklisting and licence revocation,” he explained.
Under the policy, government agencies are required to purchase vehicles from licensed local assemblers or their authorised retailers. Procurement of foreign-assembled vehicles is permitted only where agencies can demonstrate that no domestic alternative exists and obtain presidential approval.
The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) warned vehicle assemblers that poor quality, inadequate after-sales support, and violations of the policy would attract sanctions.
Government-supplied vehicles must also have traceable Vehicle Identification Numbers verified by the NADDC.
The BPP Director-General, Adebowale Adedokun, urged manufacturers to invest in technology, quality control, and maintenance services as the government seeks to develop a competitive domestic automotive industry.
