Mr. Remi Olaofe, Executive Director of the Nigeria Automobile Manufacturers Association (NAMA), has stated the reasons for the country's poor performance in developing its automotive sector.
It should be remembered that in the early 1970s, Nigeria had six thriving automobile plants that supplied the country's needs.
This category includes Anambra Motor Manufacturing Company Limited, ANAMMCO, Peugeot Automotive Nigeria Limited, PAN, Leyland Nigeria Limited, National Trucks Manufacturers Limited, Steyr Nigeria Limited, and Volkswagen Nigeria Limited, VWON.
These companies used to produce passenger vehicles, buses, trucks, and pickup trucks, but they are now nothing more than shells of their former selves.
Mr. Olaofe told the Nigerian Motoring Press that instead of utilizing its large population and manpower to build its automobile sector, Nigeria is establishing an automobile hub in Ghana.
He expressed disappointment that, despite the fact that the country's auto policy has yet to be implemented, Ghana has used it to build its auto sector.
"I know a number of major players in the country's automobile assembly who are supposed to be in Nigeria but are now in Ghana."
"As a result, we are establishing an automobile hub in Ghana, which will now assemble vehicles and ship them to Nigeria."
Olaofe expressed regret over the government's inability to provide legal support for the country's auto policy, saying, "The government of this country does not see this auto policy as a priority."