On June 10th 2026, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu, paid a familiarization visit to the headquarters of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) in Abuja as part of his tour of agencies under the Ministry.
Welcoming the Permanent Secretary, the Director-General of NADDC, OTUNBA Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, delivered an overview of NADDC’s mandate, organizational structure, and the Council’s strategic role in driving the development of Nigeria’s automotive industry.
The Director-General also highlighted key achievements, ongoing initiatives and milestones recorded by the Council in areas such as local vehicle assembly, Skills and acquisition, capacity building, promotion of new energy vehicles, local content development, technology transfer, and investment facilitation across the automotive value chain.
Speaking after the presentation, Dr. Isokpunwu commended the Director-General of NADDC for his clear understanding of the Council’s mandate and the progress made in advancing the automotive sector.
He described the automotive industry as critical to Nigeria’s industrialization and economic development, noting that NADDC is well positioned to address emerging industry challenges and opportunities. The Permanent Secretary particularly praised the Council’s efforts in promoting Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Electric Vehicles (EVs), while also acknowledging its forward-thinking approach to issues such as battery lifecycle management and environmental sustainability.
Dr. Isokpunwu further expressed support for the Council’s ongoing institutional strengthening efforts, including the review of its enabling Act, and commended NADDC’s seven-pillar automotive development strategy, which focuses on market expansion, local content development, standards, industry competitiveness and sustainable growth.
He assured the Council of the Ministry’s continued policy and regulatory support in achieving its objectives and advancing the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda through industrialization, local manufacturing and job creation.
The Permanent Secretary also lauded the conducive working environment at NADDC and encouraged staff to remain committed to excellence, professionalism and their collective responsibility in ensuring the growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s automotive industry.
The visit concluded with an interactive session between the Permanent Secretary and members of Staff, providing an opportunity for further discussions on the Council’s achievements, challenges and future plans for the sector.
