Bisola David
The Nigerian government, according to Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, prefers to purchase cars from overseas manufacturers since local producers are still deemed to be deficient in after-sale service.
According to The Punch, this explanation was given by the minister during a recent stakeholders’ engagement forum held in Lagos by the National Automotive Design and Development Council.
Industry participants talked about how to effectively implement the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan at the event.
The Minister stated that the government’s emphasis on after-sale servicing is consistent with its dedication to operational effectiveness, dependability, and cost-effective fleet management.
To ensure long-term business success, she urged automakers attending the forum to place a greater emphasis on after-sale support.
According to Minister Uzoka-Anite, “the auto industry is key to achieving economic diversification, and this is in line with the ministry’s mandate to ensure full diversification and full industrialization of the economy.”
She emphasized that the government is committed to helping regional manufacturers by saying, “The government is not the only entity that has to handle consumer complaints. Our goal is to persuade regional producers to assume some liability for commercial and operational risks.
“Develop partnerships with those producing parts, and urged them to try as much as possible, to have centers that are accessible to their customers,” she said in advice to industry participants.
In order to determine the appropriate number of service centres, the Minister recommended conducting market research, underscoring its significance.
In responding to the worries of purchasers of Nigerian vehicles, Uzoka-Anite noted, “I have engaged a lot of people who buy Nigerian vehicles, and the common complaint is that they don’t have a service centre.’’
