Nigeria’s Automotive Council wants ban on 20 year old used vehicles

The National Automotive Design and Development Council, NADDC is asking that used vehicles popularly referred to as ‘tokumbo’ above 20 years should be banned from being imported into the country.

Joseph Osanipin the agency’s Director General made this known at a public sector engagement on the Implementation of the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan.

He also added that the agency would work with relevant stakeholders to actualize this position.

The country’s automotive design and development authorities say a ban on importation of cars above twenty years should be put in place in the country.

They believe this will help drive local production of cars as well as encourage the local assemblage and manufacturing of vehicles which will greatly impact positively on the nation’s import dependence.

On efforts towards implementing the country’s automotive policy, the agency assures that efforts are ongoing to fix challenges such as poor financing and low production output.

Aside the need for standard in ensuring vehicles produced thrive in the market, issues bothering on production of components for vehicles like batteries, tyres, leather et cetera were also discussed.

The reckoning of NADDC is that improved output in the local auto industry would help address issues of unemployment and aid improved job as well as wealth creation and attract investment destination for the country amongst other benefits.

The local automotive industry players on their part wants the sector’s scope of operation expanded with bigger markets opened for the purpose of penetration.