Why FG Prefers Imported Vehicles – Minister

Nigerian government prefers to buy imported vehicles because local manufacturers are still found wanting in terms of providing after-sale service, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite had disclosed.

The minister provided this clarification at a stakeholders’ engagement forum, organised by the National Automotive Design and Development Council in Lagos, recently.

The event had in attendance industry players who discussed the effective implementation of the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan.

The Minister said the government’s stance on prioritising after-sale service aligns with its commitment to operational efficiency, reliability, and fiscal responsibility in managing its fleet of vehicles.

She urged automakers at the forum a renewed focus on after-sale support to ensure sustained business success.

“The auto industry is key to achieving economic diversification, and this is in line with the mandate of the ministry to ensure full diversification and full industrialisation of the economy,” stated Minister Uzoka-Anite.

She underscored the government’s commitment to supporting local manufacturers, stating, “Addressing customer complaints is not solely the government’s responsibility. We want to encourage local manufacturers to take some responsibility for business and operational risks.”

She advised industry players to “Develop partnerships with those producing parts, and urged them to try as much as possible, to have centres that are accessible to their customers.”

Emphasising the importance of market research, the Minister suggested, “Always do market research to know the number of service centres you should have.”

In addressing the concerns of buyers of Nigerian vehicles, Uzoka-Anite noted, “I have engaged a lot of people who buy Nigerian vehicles, and the common complaint is that they don’t have a service centre.’’