The National Automotive Design and Development Council has ramped up efforts to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported vehicle components, which costs the country over $1 billion annually.
NADDC Director-General, Joseph Osanipin made this disclosure on Monday, during the Midas NFX Software Automotive Design Skills Boot Camp in Abuja.
Osanipin lamented Nigeria’s annual expenditure of over $1 billion on imported spare parts and stressed the critical need for local production capabilities.
He said, “The country spends over one billion dollars annually on imported spare parts. This massive expenditure underscores the necessity of developing advanced design and manufacturing skills locally to stimulate economic growth and reduce reliance on imports.”
The boot camp, organized by NADDC, is designed to train engineers and designers in the use of Midas NFX software, a key tool for automotive design and development.
The Midas NFX software is an advanced tool that enables the design and simulation of automotive components, allowing users to optimize material selection and meet specific manufacturing requirements.
According to Osanipin, the software is a crucial step in modernizing Nigeria’s automotive manufacturing sector.
The initiative aims to train 100 engineers over the next year, equipping them with essential skills that will bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in the industry.
“The training is not limited to NADDC staff but is also open to private sector participants who may lack access to such advanced resources.
“The only way we can bridge this gap is through knowledge. 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,” he added.
Osanipin emphasized the untapped potential of Nigeria’s automotive sector, particularly in the local production of components like batteries, brake pads, and filters.
He stressed that developing these capabilities could reduce the country’s reliance on imports and boost economic growth.
While local lubricant manufacturing has made progress, Osanipin pointed out a significant opportunity to leverage local talent in designing and producing automotive parts.
These efforts could drive job creation and enhance self-sufficiency.
He also emphasized the economic potential of the automotive aftermarket, stressing that training programs like the current one are vital to unlocking this potential.
In his speech, the Managing Director of FAZSAL Nigeria Limited, Dr. Abdullawal, Zubair praised the NADDC for offering access to advanced tools, such as 3D scanners and printers, which are essential for enhancing the design and production capabilities of local engineers.
“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.
