In a strong show of support for President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Nigeria First policy, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, on Thursday inspected a range of made-in-Nigeria vehicles at the Service’s headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
The inspection, which featured models from members of the Nigeria Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA), was part of a broader government effort to promote local content and revitalise Nigeria’s industrial landscape.
Addressing the press after the tour, CGC Adeniyi expressed satisfaction with both the appearance and performance assurances of the locally assembled vehicles.
“In terms of aesthetics, I am satisfied with what I see here. In terms of functionality, we have been assured by the manufacturers that the vehicles are quite efficient,” he stated. “What gives me joy is that in all the vehicles I have seen today, there is an imprint of Nigeria, which shows that they are fully assembled here. It gives me joy that Mr President’s policy is on the right course.”
Pledging continued support, Adeniyi affirmed that the Nigeria Customs Service would actively patronise and promote the use of Nigerian-made vehicles as part of its commitment to strengthening the nation’s manufacturing base.
Responding on behalf of the manufacturers, Ilekuba Anslem, Chairman and CEO of Cedric Masters Group, lauded the CGC for his unwavering commitment to the local automobile sector. Similarly, Oluwatobi Ajayi, Chairman and CEO of Nord Automobile Limited, praised the Customs boss for his long-standing advocacy.
“Even before this policy was announced, you had been championing made-in-Nigeria vehicles,” Ajayi remarked. “With Mr President’s announcement, we are confident that you will be the first CEO of a government parastatal to fully champion this policy.”
He further assured the Service of robust after-sales support for Nord vehicles.
Jonas Ojukwu, Director at Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited (IVM), reiterated the company’s readiness to meet the demands of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Representatives from Mikano Motors Nigeria and Stallion Motors Nigeria also pledged their commitment to the development of the local automotive industry.
The event marked a significant milestone in the federal government’s drive to bolster homegrown innovation and reduce dependence on imported vehicles.