The countdown has begun for the first-ever Nigeria Auto Industry Summit (NAISU), set to take place at Radisson Lagos, GRA Ikeja. Organized by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) in partnership with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), the event has garnered robust support from key players in the automotive sector.
Prominent companies such as Weststar & Associates, the authorized distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria, and Carloha Nigeria, the exclusive distributor of Chery, are backing the summit. Toyota Nigeria Limited (TNL), Lanre Shittu Motors, Globe Motors, and CFAO Nigeria are also on board, with additional stakeholders expected to join.
The summit will address critical issues faced by auto importers, with presentations from Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs & Excise (NCE), and officials from the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA). Their insights aim to enhance confidence in the vehicle clearing process.
Conceived as an annual flagship event, the summit will gather industry stakeholders to discuss challenges and propose practical solutions. These recommendations will be compiled into a communiqué for the government, aiming to unlock the automotive sector’s potential for national development.
The Minister of Industries, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, will officially open the summit. NADDC Director General, Mr. Joseph Osannipin, will serve as the Chief Host, supported by the Nigeria Association of Automotive Manufacturers (NAMA) and other leading industry figures.
Femi Owoeye, Chairman of the NAISU organizing committee, emphasized the summit’s significance: “Launching this summit is crucial as Nigeria seeks to navigate the current global economic challenges. The automotive industry, with the right support, can position Nigeria as a leading automotive manufacturing hub in Africa.”
NAJA Chairman, Mike Ochonma, added, “The summit will bridge the communication gap between industry stakeholders and government agencies, providing a unified voice to drive policy development. This initiative will help Nigeria capitalize on the African Free Trade Agreement Area and achieve sustainable industry growth.”
With the theme “Reviving Nigeria’s Economy through the Automotive Sector,” NAISU aims to generate valuable insights that will guide government efforts to foster industry growth and development.