The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has ramped up efforts to reduce Nigeria’s dependency on imported vehicle components, a practice that costs the country over $1 billion annually. This push is part of a broader strategy to foster local manufacturing capabilities and stimulate economic growth within the country’s automotive sector.
During the Midas NFX Software Automotive Design Skills Boot Camp in Abuja, Joseph Osanipin, Director-General of NADDC, emphasized the need to develop local design and manufacturing skills to meet the growing demand for automotive parts and reduce the drain on foreign exchange reserves. He pointed out that the significant expenditure on imports underlines the urgency of boosting local production to enhance economic self-sufficiency.
“Nigeria spends over one billion dollars annually on imported spare parts. This massive expenditure underscores the necessity of developing advanced design and manufacturing skills locally,” Osanipin said. He noted that by modernizing Nigeria’s automotive manufacturing processes, the country could produce high-quality parts domestically, which would not only reduce imports but also create new business opportunities and jobs within the industry.
The training boot camp, organized by NADDC, is focused on equipping engineers and designers with the skills to design and simulate automotive components using the advanced Midas NFX software. This software is widely recognized for its capabilities in optimizing material selection, structural design, and manufacturing requirements. Over the course of the next year, NADDC plans to train 100 engineers as part of its efforts to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in the field.
Osanipin stressed that the program is not limited to NADDC staff but is also open to the private sector, including individuals and companies that may not have access to such advanced tools and resources. “The only way we can bridge this gap is through knowledge,” he added. “By fostering innovation within the industry, we not only enhance local expertise but also pave the way for producing quality spare parts locally, ultimately saving foreign exchange.”
The NADDC is focusing on the untapped potential of Nigeria’s automotive sector, particularly in the aftermarket for vehicle parts such as batteries, brake pads, and filters. While local production of lubricants has made progress, Osanipin believes there is significant room for expansion in other automotive components. This effort, if successful, could further reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imports and create more opportunities for local manufacturers to meet domestic demand.
The training program is expected to lay the foundation for a more self-reliant and innovative Nigerian automotive industry. In the long term, it aims to position Nigeria as a competitive player in the global automotive sector. NADDC also plans to expand the initiative as demand for locally produced automotive parts increases.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Abdullawal Zubair, Managing Director of FAZSAL Nigeria Limited, praised the NADDC for providing state-of-the-art tools such as 3D scanners and printers, which are essential for modern automotive design and development. “The equipment provided is among the best globally. Participants should leverage this opportunity to improve their skills, benefiting both their careers and the broader industry,” Zubair encouraged.
As Nigeria pushes to modernize and strengthen its automotive sector, initiatives like the Midas NFX Boot Camp could be key to achieving the country’s long-term goals of reducing import dependency, creating jobs, and enhancing the global competitiveness of its automotive industry.