Nigeria: NASS Targets Nigeria's Dependence On Imported Vehicles, Vows to Fast-Track Auto Industry Bill

What the report says

Nigeria’s National Assembly says it is seeking to reduce the country’s reliance on imported vehicles and give stronger support to local auto manufacturing. According to Leadership’s report distributed by AllAfrica, lawmakers described Nigeria as too dependent on foreign used vehicles and said they want to speed up consideration of the proposed National Automotive Industry Bill 2026.

The Senate Committee on Industry made the pledge during an inspection visit by committee members and officials of the National Automotive Design and Development Council to PAN Nigeria Limited’s plant in Kaduna. Committee chairman Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi said the proposed law should help protect investment in vehicle assembly, encourage local content and reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves. He also argued that Nigerian engineers can produce vehicles and transport equipment suited to local conditions.

PAN Nigeria’s management told the delegation that the company, founded in the 1970s, has seen production weaken because of high operating costs, currency pressures, borrowing costs and policy instability. Managing Director Taiwo Oluleye said the plant has substantial installed capacity but a much lower current level of local content than in earlier years. The company urged lawmakers to move quickly on the bill, saying clearer policy support would help local assemblers compete with importers.

The visit and statements from the National Assembly and NADDC suggest a broader policy push to revive domestic vehicle production and industrial capacity in Nigeria, especially at a time when policymakers are concerned about jobs, local manufacturing and foreign exchange use.