Auto Policy Nears Reality as FEC Backs NAIDP, NADDC Targets Q2 2026 Enactment

The long-awaited National Auto Industry Development Policy (NAIDP) may soon become law, following renewed momentum from the Federal Government and sustained advocacy by the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC).

Fresh indications emerged after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved and signed the Nigeria Industry Policy (NIP), making it an official document guiding the country’s industrial strategy, even though it is yet to be enacted by the National Assembly.

Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, gave this assurance at the 18th edition of the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) International Awards held at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos. Represented at the event by the Director-General of NADDC, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, the minister said the next critical step is the enactment of the Auto Policy into law.

“The Nigeria Industry Policy has been signed by the Federal Executive Council. This will guide Nigeria’s industrial development. The next step is the enactment of the Auto Policy into law,” Enoh said. “These are deliberate efforts to ensure that the auto sector is given the priority it deserves.”

In his remarks, Osanipin disclosed that NADDC is vigorously pushing for the passage of the NAIDP Bill by the National Assembly, with a target timeline of the second quarter of 2026. He said the Council is committed to strengthening local manufacturing through policies that guarantee the importation and use of high-quality vehicles in Nigeria.

“We remain committed to policies and programmes that strengthen local manufacturing in Nigeria. By the second quarter of 2026, part of what we aim to achieve is the enactment of the Auto Policy,” Osanipin said. “Any moment from now, we will push it to the National Assembly, and we will need stakeholders to participate actively in the public hearing.”

The NADDC boss also revealed plans to begin the gradual phasing out of used vehicles in Nigeria as part of measures to promote local vehicle assembly and manufacturing, improve safety standards and reduce environmental impact.

He further highlighted the launch of Nigeria’s End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) Recycling Regulation in March 2025, noting that the initiative is designed to create a circular economy in the automotive sector. According to him, the regulation will formalise the dismantling, recycling and repurposing of old vehicles, boost job creation, enhance environmental sustainability and improve road safety by turning automotive waste into economic value.

Osanipin commended the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association for its consistency in recognising excellence within the industry, describing the awards as a vital platform for stakeholder engagement.

“NADDC is pleased to associate with this award because it is a key driver of job creation and an invaluable meeting point for industry stakeholders and the media,” he said.