In a bold move to support domestic manufacturing, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced plans to purchase locally assembled vehicles for its operations, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Nigeria First” policy.
Key Developments
- Showcase Event: Leading Nigerian automakers displayed vehicles at Customs HQ in Abuja for evaluation
- Participating Brands: Innoson (IVM), Nord, Mikano, Stallion, and others under NAMA
- Quality Assurance: Customs CG Adewale Adeniyi expressed satisfaction with vehicle standards
Leadership Commitment
Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi stated:
“These vehicles meet both aesthetic and functional requirements. Most importantly, they carry the ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ imprint – proof that President Tinubu’s industrial policy is working.”
Industry Appreciation
Auto executives praised the initiative:
- Nord CEO Oluwatobi Ajayi: “CG Adeniyi was advocating local content before it became policy”
- Innoson Director Jonas Ojukwu: Pledged top-quality vehicles for Customs
- Cedric Masters’ Ilekuba Anslem: Commended NCS for supporting domestic manufacturing
Strategic Impact
The procurement shift:
✓ Boosts Nigeria’s automotive sector
✓ Creates local jobs
✓ Reduces foreign exchange demand
✓ Sets precedent for other MDAs
Bolbuk Insight: This policy implementation positions NCS as a trailblazer in government’s local content drive, potentially transforming Nigeria’s auto industry landscape.