Chukwu Obinna 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Rows of newly completed yet unused buses at the ANAMMCO automobile plant in Enugu have raised concerns among lawmakers over Nigeria’s continued dependence on imported vehicles despite having domestic manufacturing capacity.
During an oversight visit on Friday, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industry, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, criticised federal and state institutions for failing to patronise indigenous vehicle manufacturers such as Innoson Motors and ANAMMCO.
“Nigeria cannot keep losing foreign exchange importing what we already produce locally,” he said. “Supporting local manufacturers means reinvesting in our own economy and creating jobs for our young people.”
He said the National Assembly would push for stronger legal frameworks and procurement policies that prioritise made-in-Nigeria vehicles across Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
“We will work to ensure lawmakers set the example through legislative backing and adoption,” Fadahunsi added.
Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Oluwemimo Osanipin, said strengthening the auto sector would trigger wide industrial and employment growth. “The multiplier effect of local automobile manufacturing is massive,” he noted.
ANAMMCO’s Chief Operating Officer, Bennett Ejindu, said renewed interest from the Tinubu administration gives hope for revival.
He urged government investment and a stable policy environment to restore investor confidence.
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Mirian Gom 
