NADDC REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRIALISATION AHEAD OF ABUJA MOTOR FAIR

The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating Nigeria’s automotive industrialisation through local manufacturing, technology transfer, skills development and strategic partnerships as the 26th Abuja International Motor Fair approaches. The fair, scheduled for November 10 to 13, 2026, at Eagle Square, Abuja, is organised by BKG Exhibitions Limited in collaboration with NADDC under the theme, “Driving Nigeria’s Automotive Future.” Speaking at a joint press briefing held at NICON Luxury Hotel, Garki, Abuja, on October 14, 2026, the Director-General of NADDC, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, said the automotive industry remains critical to Nigeria’s industrialisation, economic diversification, job creation and technological advancement. He stressed that the motor fair should serve not merely as an exhibition of vehicles, but as a platform for promoting local production, attracting investment, facilitating technology transfer and strengthening Nigeria’s manufacturing capacity. Osanipin noted that Nigeria’s automotive future must increasingly be driven by what the country designs, manufactures, assembles and develops for both domestic and international markets. He reiterated the Council’s commitment to local content development, component manufacturing, research and innovation, electric mobility, battery technology, alternative fuels and technical skills development, while emphasising the need for adherence to safety standards and quality assurance. The NADDC Director-General called for stronger collaboration among government, the private sector, financial institutions, research institutions and other stakeholders to translate opportunities in the automotive sector into measurable industrial growth. He said the Abuja International Motor Fair provides an important platform for stakeholders to showcase innovations, establish partnerships and unlock new investment opportunities. “Together, let us transform conversations into commitments, commitments into partnerships, and partnerships into measurable industrial progress,” he stated. Also speaking, the Managing Director of BKG Exhibitions Limited, Chief William Ifeanyichukwu Agwu, described the motor fair as a strategic national platform for advancing automotive industrialisation, attracting investment and strengthening Nigeria’s position in Africa’s mobility market. He urged manufacturers, assemblers, distributors, component producers, financial institutions, technology companies and state governments to participate actively by showcasing their products, innovations and investment opportunities. “Nigeria has given your brand a market. This is the moment for your brand to show Nigeria its commitment,” Agwu stated. The 26th Abuja International Motor Fair will feature vehicle displays, product unveilings, business-to-business engagements, test-driving experiences, automotive finance discussions and investment partnerships. The event will also host the Africa EV and Clean Transport Expo, focusing on electric vehicles, CNG, charging infrastructure and sustainable mobility solutions, alongside the Africa Automotive and Mobility Excellence Awards, which will recognise outstanding contributions to the automotive and transportation sectors. NADDC and BKG Exhibitions Limited have consequently invited manufacturers, assemblers, dealers, component producers, investors, financial institutions, state governments, the media and the general public to participate in the exhibition and contribute to building a stronger, innovative and globally competitive Nigerian automotive industry.