Kia Motors showcases innovative CNG Rio at Nigeria automotive industry summit
Maureen Aguta
Kia Motors Nigeria participated in the Nigeria Automotive Industry Summit hosted by the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) in collaboration with the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) on Thursday at the Radisson Hotel Ikeja, Lagos State.
Themed “Developing Nigeria’s Economy through the Nigerian Auto Industry,” the summit aimed to chart a course for the future success of the sector.
The summit emphasized the critical importance of reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imported vehicles to foster job creation and economic growth. NADDC Director-General, Joseph Osanipin, highlighted the immense potential and challenges of the industry, urging a shift towards local production. “Aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda,’ we are already making strides. Nigeria has a number of local assembly plants in operation, and the government is more than ever committed to seeing the industry thrive,” he stated.
Osanipin underscored NADDC’s commitment to developing a vibrant domestic automotive industry through several initiatives, including the implementation of the Nigerian Automotive Industrial Development Plan. This plan provides a comprehensive roadmap for the industry’s growth, outlining Strategies and incentives for attracting investment, developing local content, and creating jobs. Collaboration with stakeholders is essential for progress, and the NADDC is dedicated to working closely with all involved parties.
He said the inauguration of the Implementation Committee of the 2023 National Automotive Industry Development Plan and the adoption of locally-assembled Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered vehicles by the Federal Government. This move underscores the government’s dedication to supporting the Development of the sector. “Nigeria has the potential to become a vehicle manufacturing center for the West and Central African region. Let us use this summit as a springboard to propel the Nigerian automotive industry towards a brighter future,” Osanipin added.
Kia Motors Nigeria showcased its commitment to innovation and sustainability by presenting the Kia Rio CNG vehicle, alongside other locally assembled vehicles. This initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s push for CNG-powered vehicles, demonstrating Kia’s leadership in advancing eco-friendly automotive solutions.
The Minister of FMITI, Dr. Doris Uzoka, represented by Mrs. Olumuyiwa Ajayi-Ade, emphasised the automotive sector’s crucial role in economic development, job creation, and technological innovation. She reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for the automotive sector to thrive, highlighting several policies and initiatives aimed at supporting the industry. “With the right policies, investments, and collaborative efforts, we can transform this sector into a significant driver of economic growth and development,” she said.
Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, represented by Comptroller Mankini Daniyan of the Port Terminal Multiservices Ltd. Command, addressed the impact of used cars on the local automotive industry. He noted that the proliferation of used cars weakens the naira and strains local manufacturers. “The service currently enforces an import prohibition on vehicles older than 15 years, as contained in Schedule 3 of the Common External Tariff, from entering Nigeria’s car markets as a way to reduce import of used cars. This is tailored at further supporting and encouraging growth in the Nigerian automotive industry,” he stated.
NAJA Chairman, Mr. Mike Ochonma, called for adequate support for the automotive industry to enhance the transformation of Nigeria into Africa’s automotive manufacturing hub. He emphasized that the Nigeria Auto Industry Summit would annually produce significant information to help achieve this goal, striving to assist industry leaders in setting a development agenda aimed at driving relevant government policies toward sustainable development.
Kia Motors remains committed to driving innovation and sustainability in the Nigerian automotive industry, working hand in hand with stakeholders to create a brighter future for all.