NADDC Initiates Import-Phase-Out Program For Motorcycle And Tricycle Parts

The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has launched an import-deletion programme targeting motorcycle and tricycle components, aiming to boost local manufacturing, generate employment, and conserve foreign exchange.

The initiative was outlined by NADDC Director-General, Oluwemimo, during a stakeholders’ sensitisation meeting held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. He explained that one of the council’s statutory responsibilities is to identify automotive parts currently imported and recommend those with local production potential for removal from the import list.

Oluwemimo clarified that the import-deletion policy means affected components will either no longer be imported or, if imported, will no longer benefit from tariff incentives. “This policy is designed to encourage the local production of these parts in Nigeria. Localising manufacturing offers significant economic advantages, including job creation, value addition across the supply chain, and reduced foreign exchange pressure,” he said.

He added that producing locally sourced components such as tyres and batteries would stimulate related industries, deepen local content, and expand the economy. “You are stopping importation, saving forex, and at the same time improving technical know-how. There will be capacity building, better product customisation for Nigerian conditions, and improved quality control,” Oluwemimo noted.

The programme will initially focus on motorcycle and tricycle components, chosen for their relatively simple technology and lower capital requirements. Components identified for local production include cellophane seat covers, plastic parts, foam, and fixers. Some Nigerian firms already have the capacity to manufacture specialised plastic components and up to 30,000 lead-acid batteries monthly.

Executive Director of the Motorcycle Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Lambert Ekewuba, highlighted policy inconsistency and low production volumes as obstacles to the success of past import-deletion initiatives. “Nigeria has over five million motorcycles and about three million tricycles, yet we cannot produce enough parts locally. Inconsistent government policies, including bans on motorcycle operations in some states, reduce volume and discourage investment,” he said.

Ekewuba called for harmonised tariffs on raw materials and components, stressing that local manufacturing would only be viable if importing raw materials is cheaper than importing finished parts.

Chairman of the Nigerian Automotive Manufacturers Association, Bawo Omagbitse, emphasised that sustained protection and long-term policy consistency are critical for deepening local manufacturing and attracting investment. “Without deletion, you cannot develop the automotive industry. Local content cannot be achieved by assembly alone; parts must be produced locally,” he said, noting that Nigeria previously achieved up to 40 per cent local content in some automotive firms.

Omagbitse further stressed that policy consistency, infrastructure development, reliable energy supply, and efficient logistics are essential to ensuring cost competitiveness and sustainable growth of Nigeria’s automotive industry.