The federal government has tasked stakeholders in the automotive sector with realising made-in-Nigeria vehicles for economic growth and development.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Anite, said this on Thursday in Abuja during a Dialogue on Automotive Component Manufacturing in Nigeria.

According to mS Anite, the country has the consumer base to purchase all vehicles produced and is looking towards exporting Nigerian vehicles to other countries on the continent.

The minister said the government was doing all necessary to ensure this was achieved, thus requiring stakeholders also to play their role.

“The question, therefore, is, how fast can you produce beyond the Nigerian markets? There is no reason why Nigeria cannot begin to export cars from Nigeria or other African countries,’’ Ms Anite said.

The minister added, “I am sitting down here and giving you all the necessary assurances that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has created an enabling environment to make sure that the auto policy kicks off. To make sure that we have the ability to produce our own cars in Nigeria.

“And I am also trusting that you will reciprocate by making sure that this vision and this mission happens. So, the ball is in your court.”

The minister urged the component manufacturers to synergise and adopt an agreement that would spur the country’s car manufacturing.

Anite said, “What we are taking away is that we will have a deadline for when we will come back here to sign that MoU between the component manufacturers and car manufacturers. This is the only way we can actually spur industrialisation and create jobs. What is most important is making sure that the industry kicks off.

“We are the biggest market in Africa. Let us even engage, see what we have, what we can do, and then determine the remaining component that we must import.”

On finance, the minister said the Bank of Industry (BOI) was ready to support all participants in the value chain to assess available funds.

Earlier, the director-general of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, Joseph Osanipin, reiterated the need for automotive component manufacturers to synergies for economic advancement.

Mr Osanipin said, “Your ingenuity and expertise are the cornerstones upon which our automotive aspirations are built. As we embark on this collaborative journey towards a vibrant and thriving automotive ecosystem, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity.

“Together, we have the power to reshape the future of mobility in Nigeria and chart a course towards prosperity for generations to come.’’

(NAN)