Abuja:The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has mandated that government agencies must procure vehicles only from suppliers and manufacturers registered with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General of BPP, announced this during a joint news conference with NADDC, emphasizing the enforcement of the Federal Government’s Nigeria First policy. Adedokun warned that purchasing vehicles from unregistered suppliers is a criminal offence subject to prosecution.
The NADDC is responsible for maintaining a database of approved vehicle manufacturers, while BPP ensures compliance with procurement guidelines. Adedokun highlighted the policy’s aim to foster partnerships between local and foreign firms to boost domestic production and technology transfer. The Public Procurement Act 2007 supports locally manufactured products, even if they are slightly more expensive than imports, to enhance employment and production capacity.
The Bank of Industry is set to provide financial support to the automotive sector at lower interest rates. A joint monitoring and evaluation committee will oversee government vehicle procurement, with agencies required to submit regular reports to BPP. Additionally, anti-corruption bodies are scrutinizing procurement records for compliance.
Mr. Joseph Osanipin, Director-General of NADDC, stated that Nigeria currently produces less than eight percent of its vehicle requirements but aims to increase this to 70 percent. Increased production is expected to lower costs, and NADDC is working with educational institutions to develop and commercialize local automotive technologies. The Campus Shuttle programme and the development of electric vehicles are part of these initiatives, with interest from prospective buyers boosting local production.