FG tightens auto procurement, backs local assemblers

By Progress Godfrey

ABUJA – The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) have formalised a framework to enforce the directive, aimed at strengthening local manufacturing and aligning public spending with national economic priorities.

The agreement, signed on Friday in Abuja, sets clear guidelines for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to prioritise Nigeria-assembled vehicles in all procurement processes.

Speaking at the signing, Director-General of NADDC, Joseph Osanipin said the new framework would create jobs and retain value within the Nigerian economy through targeted public spending.

“For too long, our nation has been a consumer of foreign-made automotive products, a trend that has limited our economic potential and hindered the growth of our local assemblers. Today, under the guidance of the Nigeria First Policy, we are fundamentally shifting that paradigm,” he said

He noted that the framework extends beyond procurement reforms and is intended to rebuild the country’s automotive ecosystem by driving investments in assembly plants, technical skills and supply chains.

“Every vehicle procured locally creates jobs for Nigerians and ensures that the wealth generated through public expenditure remains within our economy,” he added.

The council emphasised that strict compliance measures, including Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) verification and a register of eligible assemblers, would guide implementation and ensure quality standards.

Director-General of BPP, Dr Adebowale Adedokun, said the directive represents a major shift in Nigeria’s procurement architecture and aligns government spending with national development priorities.

Adebowale Adedokun, said procurement processes must now support local production, industrial growth and job creation across all MDAs.

“We are aligning procurement with national development priorities. Government spending must now directly contribute to industrial growth and measurable national benefit,” he said.

He added that the framework introduces stricter compliance requirements across procurement planning, bidding, evaluation and contract management, with sanctions for violations.

The BPP boss warned that any misrepresentation or procurement outside the approved framework would attract penalties under existing financial regulations.
“Public expenditure must now actively support local production, industrial growth and job creation,” he said.

The BPP said it would work with relevant stakeholders to ensure effective implementation, improve transparency and curb procurement abuse across government institutions.

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