{
  "id": 8171546,
  "title": "Auto Assembly: NADDC backs CKD, local content push",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/auto-assembly-naddc-backs-ckd-local-content-push",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-18T03:44:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Trust",
    "slug": "daily-trust",
    "url": "https://dailytrust.com/auto-assembly-naddc-backs-ckd-local-content-push/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has urged for increased local content, a shift from Semi-Knocked Down (SKD) to Complete Knocked Down (CKD) production, and greater government support for locally assembled vehicles. During a board inspection of facilities at Lanre Shittu Motors, CIG Motors, and Mikano Motors in Lagos, NADDC Chairman Chief Emma Eneukwu highlighted the impressive technical capabilities of Nigerian engineers and the potential for the domestic automotive industry to grow with proper government backing. The inspection demonstrated that Nigerian engineers could handle intricate manufacturing tasks with the right training, technology, and opportunities.\n\nEneukwu emphasized the vital role of the government in facilitating local vehicle production to compete with imports and stressed the importance of transportation in economic development. He called for bridging the gap between government and private sector operators to address manufacturers' concerns and promote locally manufactured alternatives. Eneukwu also noted that government patronage of imported vehicles should be reconsidered, and physical visits to assembly plants could enhance government officials' understanding of domestic manufacturers' abilities.\n\nNADDC Director-General Otumba Joseph Osanipin said the inspection tour aimed to provide Board members with firsthand knowledge of manufacturers' production capacities, local content levels, workforce capabilities, and operational challenges. At Lanre Shittu Motors, Managing Director Taiwo Shittu stated that the company already used locally sourced components, such as seals, lubricants, and rubber products from Kano and Ogun states. The company employed 326 Nigerians and had one expatriate employee, showcasing the increasing technical skills of Nigerian workers. Shittu revealed that the company had four production lines capable of producing six trucks and six buses, with 12 units in its production pipeline. He called for policies providing investment certainty and incentives for local manufacturers and shared that Lanre Shittu Motors was working with partners on electric vehicles and exploring opportunities in compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric mobility.\n\nThe Federal Government's Nigeria First Policy, which mandates the procurement of domestically produced vehicles, entered its implementation phase following an executive directive. The NADDC DG also stressed the significance of after-sales support, stating that effective maintenance and spare part availability would reduce vehicle downtime and boost customer confidence. NADDC is currently consulting manufacturers and stakeholders on proposed automotive industry legislation, which will be finalized soon. CIG Motors' Special Adviser to the Chairman on Government Relations, Brigadier-General Chukwuemeka Udaya, said the visit allowed the Board to verify the company's operations and understand its challenges beyond periodic reports. CIG Motors, which began operations in 2022, had invested in young Nigerians and partnered with universities to provide industrial training. Udaya also advocated for restricting older imported used vehicles to a 10-year age limit.",
  "summary": "The Governing Board of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has called for deeper local content, a transition from Semi-Knocked Down (SKD) to Complete Knocked Down (CKD) production and stronger government patronage of locally assembled vehicles. The call was made during the Board’s oversight inspection of the facilities of Lanre Shittu Motors, CIG […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}