The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has officially inaugurated the new Governing Board of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. The inauguration which took place yesterday, July 23, 2025, was presided over by Senator John Owan Enoh, Hon. Minister of State for Industry.
In his address, Senator Enoh underscored the importance of this milestone, stating that the new board composition reflects a holistic representation of Nigeria’s automotive ecosystem, from vehicles and motorcycles to regulatory bodies like SON, MOMAN, and NAMA etc. He emphasized the board’s critical role in implementing the Nigeria First Policy, announced recently by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
He commended NADDC Director-General ,Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin for his visionary leadership and consistent drive to reposition NADDC as a catalyst for sustainable mobility, innovation, and industrial growth. The Minister called for strategic alignment between the Council’s management and its new board to ensure that automotive policies are not just developed—but codified and executed for long-term impact.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Nura Rimi, “We have been working with the Director-General in the absence of the board, and he has proven to be a worthy appointee of Mr. President. The Calibre of people appointed on this board aligns with Mr. President’s mandate and his promise to Nigerians that very soon, we will have vehicles made in Nigeria, not only for local use but also for export to other African countries and the rest of the world”.
Chief Emma Eneukwu, OFR, the newly appointed Chairman of the NADDC Governing Board, delivered his acceptance speech with a clear commitment to national service. “This appointment is not just a personal milestone, it is a call to national service at a critical time in our country’s economic transformation journey. Our collective task is to reposition Nigeria as a hub for automotive manufacturing, innovation, and competitiveness in Africa.”
Chief Eneukwu reaffirmed the board’s commitment to:
* Full implementation and periodic review of the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP);
* Expansion of local vehicle manufacturing and assembly to reduce import dependence;
* Promotion of CNG, electric, and alternative-fuel vehicles;
* Strengthening collaboration with investors, academia, and R&D institutions to foster industrial competitiveness;
* Building a robust value chain that drives job creation, local content, and technological advancement.
