RismadarVoice Reporters
October 10, 2026
The Federal Government of Nigeria has directed all ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to purchase vehicles exclusively from licensed automobile assemblers operating in Nigeria, in line with the Nigeria First Policy introduced by President Bola Tinubu.
The directive is intended to strengthen domestic vehicle assembly, reduce dependence on imported automobiles, conserve foreign exchange and create employment opportunities within Nigeria’s automotive industry.
The Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Joseph Osanipin, disclosed the directive during a joint press conference with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) in Abuja.
Osanipin explained that the requirement covers vehicles purchased for official government use as well as those acquired for projects undertaken by federal agencies.
Under the policy, MDAs must procure vehicles from licensed local assemblers or their authorised dealers.
He stated that any government agency seeking to purchase a foreign-assembled vehicle must establish that no suitable locally assembled alternative is available and obtain approval directly from the President.
The NADDC director-general also announced that vehicles supplied under the arrangement must carry traceable Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs), which the council will verify to establish their origin and compliance with the directive.
He warned that suppliers found violating the procurement requirements could face regulatory sanctions, including blacklisting and withdrawal of operating licences.
Osanipin said the NADDC would work closely with the BPP to enforce the policy and ensure that government vehicle procurement contributes to the development of domestic automotive production.
He urged licensed automobile assemblers to improve their production capacity and prepare to meet demand from federal government institutions.
The Director-General of the BPP, Dr Adedokun, also expressed support for the initiative, describing it as part of the government’s broader efforts to encourage industrial development, stimulate economic activity and expand employment opportunities.
The directive places locally assembled vehicles at the centre of federal government procurement, while allowing exceptions where suitable domestic alternatives are unavailable and presidential approval has been obtained.
