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Vehicles

By Lucy Ogalue

Abuja, June 12, 2024(NAN): The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), has urged Nigerian to patronise made-in-Nigeria vehicles, saying they are affordable.

The Director-General of NADDC, Joseph Osanipin, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that patronising locally manufactured or assembled vehicles would bolster the country’s automotive industry and the economy.

NAN reports that the country has relied heavily on imported vehicles to meet its transportation needs for decades, and this dependence comes at a significant cost, both economically and strategically.

Importing vehicles drains foreign exchange reserves, exacerbates trade imbalances, and leaves Nigeria vulnerable to global market fluctuations.

Moreover, it stifles the growth of the domestic automotive industry, depriving the country of opportunities for job creation, technology transfer, and industrial diversification.

Recognising this challenge, the Federal Government through the NADDC, said it was intensifying its campaign to encourage the use of locally manufactured vehicles in the country.

According to the NADDC boss, vehicles assembled in Nigeria are new vehicles, and in terms of price, they can compete with new vehicles coming from outside the country.

“For instance, for utility vehicles like pickup van, if you look at the price, some pickup vehicles assembled in Nigeria are about 60 per cent of those coming from outside.

“Some are 70 per cent, some are 80 per cent based on the type of the pickup van, so in terms of price, they can compete with new vehicles,’’ he said.

Osanipin said that if given the necessary support, patronising made-in-Nigeria vehicles would boost the auto sector and, thus, significantly contribute to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He said the patronage would stimulate local production, increase demand, encourage investment in the sector, and lead to more factories, improved technologies, and better living standards for many Nigerians.

The director-general acknowledged the challenges currently faced by local manufacturers, such as high production costs and competition from imported vehicles.

Osanipin reiterated the administration’s commitment to addressing and providing a conducive environment to encourage vehicle assembly and manufacturing in the country.

He said the Federal Government had established a Credit Scheme to boost the country’s automotive sector by ensuring the affordability and availability of locally assembled vehicles.

“So the credit scheme will not be for those who want to bring their vehicle from abroad, no, but if it is for locally manufactured.

“I am hopeful that the credit, which would be given at a favourable rate, will bolster growth, ensure the sector thrived, and contribute significantly to the economy,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, some consumers have decried the high cost of made-in-Nigeria vehicles and are appealing to the government to subsidise their cost for the benefit of common Nigerians.

Mr Chinedu Eze, an Abuja-based entrepreneur, said: “I thought buying a made-in-Nigeria vehicle would be more affordable, but the prices are almost as high as imported ones.

“I think a key factor contributing to the high prices is the cost of production. Local manufacturers face numerous challenges.

“This includes high import duties on raw materials and automotive parts, inadequate infrastructure, and fluctuating exchange rates.

“These issues not only drive up production costs but also translate into higher retail prices for consumers, thus, the need to address the issues.”

A civil servant, Amaka Okoro said: “producing vehicles locally is supposed to stimulate the economy and create jobs, but if the vehicles are too expensive for the average Nigerian, then it defeats the purpose.

“We want to support local industries, but it is hard when the cost is beyond our reach.”

A consumer, Mr John Amedu, also urged for government intervention, support and increased investment in infrastructure, such as subsidies for manufacturers and tax incentives.

“I understand the need to support our local manufacturers, but there must be a balance. The government should consider policies to make these vehicles more affordable for the average Nigerian,’’ Amedu said.

“There is hope that with better policies and a more favourable economic environment, the cost of made-in-Nigeria vehicles can eventually be brought down to a level that is accessible for the majority of Nigerians.

“For now, many Nigerianscontinue to look for more affordable alternatives, often turning to the second-hand market or imported used cars,’’ Amedu said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

LCN/EEE

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Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Democracy
By Martha Agas
Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN)
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has commended Nigerians for their enduring support to democratic principles as the country marks 25 years of Democracy.

Adeniyi hailed Nigerians in his special message to celebrate the country’s Democracy Day, which was posted on the official Twitter handle of the NCS on Wednesday.

“Today, we celebrate the power of the people and the enduring strength of democratic principles.

“Let us honour the sacrifices made by those who fought for our freedom.

“As we continue to stay compliant and steer clear from smuggling and other forms of trade misconduct, let us renew our commitment to ensuring that every voice is heard and every individual is treated with dignity and respect,” he said.

According to him, Nigerians united can build a more just and inclusive society.

He wished Nigerians a Happy Democracy Day on behalf of the officers and men of the NCS. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
MAA/EEE

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Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Democracy
By Okeoghene Akubuike
Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Nigerians have expressed mixed reactions as Nigeria celebrates 25 years of Democratic Government, saying they need to see more dividends of democracy.

Some Nigerians, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, said our leaders needed to listen to the citizens which was what was obtainable in a true democracy.

Mr Isaac Ighure, a Former Secretary-General, Nigerian Guild of Editors, said the leaders needed to firm up the country’s democracy and improve on it.

“Democracy is yet to take a firm root in Nigeria. We keep describing our democracy as nascent.

“We cannot remain young forever, after 25 years we should be standing firm in our democracy and see its dividends.”

Ighure said Nigerian leaders did not have a listening ear citing the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira as examples, which had led to hardship.

“Our leaders need to listen to the people because the people voted for them. That is what democracy is. Our leaders do not tolerate alternative views.

“They need to wake up to entrench free democratic practices, freedom of the press, and the right of the people to make their feelings known through peaceful protest without intimidation by security personnel.

“The government needs to take away the hunger ravaging the land, improve the health and education sectors, provide adequate infrastructure, and tackle insecurity in the land.

“Nigerians can no longer feed properly, Nigerians are living in IDP camps in their own states, farmers can no longer go to the farms because of bandits.

“The Chibok and Dapachi School children are still missing, and other students are being kidnapped from their schools. These are not things that make up a democratic setting,” he said.

He said the government must tackle corruption at all levels, and prosecute any corrupt person irrespective of who they were.

“We claim to model our democracy after the U. S., which is a largely free society. Former U. S. President, Donald Trump has been convicted of a felony, that is a true democracy. Can that happen in Nigeria?

“Leaders should not live in opulence while the citizens live in penury. Our leaders should give us a sense of worth.

“Your children cannot be sick at home or unable to go to school while you and the parents are looking for money to buy a new car or travel abroad.”

Ighure urged the government to pay the minimum wage proposed by labour, saying it was long overdue, especially with the present economic situation which had led to  hardship.

Femi Ogunshola, a public servant, said the country had witnessed some dividends of democracy, however, things could be better after 25 years of democracy.

“The press is relatively free compared to the military era and Nigerians can now exercise their democratic right to vote and be voted for.

“Nigerian youths have now been given the opportunity to occupy leadership positions as well.

“However, we still have a long way to go, this is not where we are supposed to be as a nation.

“Nigeria can be better if we have the right leaders, who listen to the people and consider the citizens’ interests above their personal interest. ”

Mrs Gloria Okafor, a businesswoman said Nigeria had witnessed some dividends of democracy but a lot more could be done to achieve more.

“In the area of freedom of speech, we have made good progress. Also, we have a system of government where citizens can vote for their leaders who represent them in parliament.

“However, we are not where we are supposed to be yet after 25 years. if you compare other countries practising democracy and see what they have achieved in terms of development.
then you know Nigeria still has a long way to go.

“Democracy is a good thing but part of the problem is that the people are not holding the government accountable.

“Government must listen more to the people and after listening they should act on what the people have said.

” It is one thing to listen and another to take action. We need a responsive government,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

OKE/EEE

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Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams