2025 Nigeria Automotive Summit to Unite Key Industry Stakeholders
By Daphne Udeneje
The Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA), in collaboration with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), is set to host the 2025 Nigerian Auto Industry Summit (NAISU) on July 31 in Lagos. The event, themed “Nigeria First: Local Content as Driver of Automotive Growth,” will bring together major regulatory bodies and industry players to shape the future of Nigeria’s automotive sector. Key agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), NADDC, and the National Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA), have confirmed their active participation. The summit will be inaugurated by Senator John Owan Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, as the special guest of honor.
The summit aims to foster collaboration among government officials, manufacturers, investors, transport unions, and media to address critical challenges and opportunities in Nigeria’s auto industry. NAJA emphasized that the event will focus on actionable strategies to enhance local content and strengthen the automotive ecosystem. Local content development is a central theme, with discussions likely to revolve around increasing the use of locally manufactured components, promoting indigenous automotive production, and incentivizing local suppliers. These initiatives are designed to reduce reliance on imports, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth within Nigeria’s automotive value chain.
NADDC Director General, Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, highlighted the summit’s significance, stating, “This platform is vital for uniting stakeholders to tackle regulatory and infrastructural challenges and create a sustainable roadmap for the industry’s growth.” Ben Ejendu, a senior NAMA official, underscored the need to bridge the gap between policy and implementation. “NAISU provides a critical opportunity to align government policies with industry needs. We’ll contribute data-driven insights and policy recommendations to drive progress,” he said.
NAJA Chairman Theodore Opara clarified that the summit is not just a discussion forum but a results-oriented event. “NAISU is designed for impactful collaboration, featuring evidence-based discussions and contributions from local and global stakeholders, including automakers, suppliers, and regulators,” he noted. Mike Ochonma, Chairman of the NAISU Planning Committee, confirmed the participation of senior officials from the Federal Ministries of Industry, Trade and Investment, and Transport, alongside SON and prominent automotive brands operating in Nigeria. The one-day event will include keynote speeches, panel discussions, exhibitions, and networking opportunities.
With strong institutional support and a focus on practical outcomes, the 2025 NAISU is poised to be a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s automotive industry, potentially positioning the country as a leading automotive hub in Africa. Emphasizing local content development will be instrumental in this vision, as Nigeria seeks to leverage its resources, boost domestic manufacturing capabilities, and foster a self-sufficient automotive sector that can compete regionally and globally.