The Federal Government has unveiled an ambitious plan to accelerate domestic production of tyres and batteries, aiming to reduce Nigeria’s dependency on imports and strengthen the nation’s industrial base. The initiative, announced in Abuja, sets the stage for new investments, innovation, and job creation in sectors critical to Nigeria’s automotive and energy landscape.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, led the announcement at the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) headquarters, meeting with top executives from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and key industry stakeholders. “Today marks a turning point for Nigeria’s manufacturing story. We are determined to create an environment where local production is not just possible, but profitable and sustainable,” she said.
Brandspur Brand News reports that the government’s strategy targets both existing and new investors, providing incentives such as tax breaks, access to affordable credit, and support for research and development. Dr. Uzoka-Anite noted that lessons from other sectors, like cement, demonstrate that homegrown production can meet and surpass domestic demand. By applying similar models, the tyre and battery sectors could become self-reliant while positioning Nigeria as a hub for automotive components in West Africa.
Industry leaders welcomed the push, highlighting the economic and employment potential. MAN President, Mansur Ahmed, described the move as a major opportunity for local manufacturers to meet national demand and expand exports. NADDC Director-General, Joseph Osanipin, added that the Council is preparing a comprehensive framework addressing challenges such as raw material sourcing, technology transfer, and workforce development, emphasizing collaboration with both local and foreign investors.
The initiative also places strong emphasis on quality standards. Government and industry stakeholders plan to work closely with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria to ensure Nigerian-made tyres and batteries meet or exceed global benchmarks. Training and skill development are central to the project, targeting a new generation of engineers, technicians, and entrepreneurs capable of sustaining growth and innovation.
Nigeria’s automotive market, one of the largest in Africa, stands to benefit significantly from this initiative. Analysts suggest that scaling local production could save hundreds of millions in foreign exchange, create jobs, and stimulate broader industrial growth. “Every tyre and battery made in Nigeria is a boost for our economy. It means more jobs, stronger industries, and a future where we control our own industrial destiny,” Dr. Uzoka-Anite said.
The NADDC is set to release a detailed implementation roadmap in the coming weeks, outlining specific targets, timelines, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure accountability. While challenges such as infrastructure gaps and raw material access remain, stakeholders remain optimistic that sustained government support and private sector commitment will drive success.
For Nigerians, the plan represents more than industrial policy—it is a step toward self-reliance, economic resilience, and global competitiveness in critical manufacturing sectors.
