The Minister of State for Industry, John Enoh, has inaugurated the reconstituted governing board of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) to drive the sector.

Mr Enoh charged members of the board to play a pivotal role in transforming Nigeria’s automotive sector.

He described the inauguration as a significant milestone in the federal government’s renewed push to revamp the auto industry under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The minister said the NADDC holds strategic importance in the drive to build a competitive and sustainable automotive sector capable of creating jobs, advancing technology, and boosting national productivity.

According to him, the appointment of the new board underscores the government’s commitment to repositioning the sector through sound policies, infrastructure development, and stakeholder collaboration.

“The board represents a diverse pool of expertise and experience, encompassing various facets of the automotive industry, academia, and public service.

“I urge you to approach your duties with dedication, diligence, and a forward-thinking mindset, without interfering in the day-to-day administration of the council,” he said.

Mr Enoh outlined key areas of focus for the board, including strategic planning, policy formulation, infrastructure development, stakeholder engagement, skills development, and investment attraction.

He also emphasised the need to promote local content and encourage the adoption of compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicles as part of Nigeria’s energy transition strategy.

Responding on behalf of the board, the chairman, Emma Eneukwu, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the appointment, describing it as a call to national service.

Mr Eneukwu pledged the board’s full alignment with the “Renewed Hope” vision to restore investor confidence, drive industrial development, and deliver practical results to Nigerians.

He reaffirmed the board’s commitment to ensuring the full implementation and review of the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP).

“We will encourage local manufacturing and assembly of vehicles and promote value chain development to generate jobs and skills nationwide.

“We also promise to support the adoption of CNG, electric, and alternative fuel vehicles in line with global sustainability standards.

“We shall strengthen partnerships with investors, academia, and research institutions to drive innovation and industrial competitiveness,” he said.

Mr Eneukwu assured stakeholders of transparency, collaboration, and performance, stressing the board’s readiness to build a council that will deliver measurable impact.

NADDC is the federal government agency responsible for implementing policies and programmes that catalyse the development of Nigeria’s automotive industry.

Its director-general, Joseph Osanipin, expressed optimism that the newly inaugurated governing board would play a key role in accelerating the sector’s development.

(NAN)