Oborevwori Calls For Strong Legislative Backing To Drive Nigeria’s Automotive Transformation
By PAULINA NZERUBE
DELTA State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged the National Assembly to enact robust legislation that will accelerate Nigeria’s automotive revolution, emphasizing the need for policy coherence, local manufacturing incentives, and investment in human capital to make the nation’s auto sector globally competitive.
Speaking in Asaba while declaring open a four-day retreat organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Industry, Governor Oborevwori said the partnership between the Executive and Legislature is crucial for ensuring stability in industrial policies, improving the ease of doing business, and safeguarding local manufacturers from unfair competition.
The retreat, themed “Building a Globally Competitive Automotive Sector in Nigeria through Effective Executive–Legislative Partnership,” brought together key players from government institutions, the private sector, and development agencies to chart a new course for the nation’s auto industry.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Prince Johnson Erijo, the Governor said Nigeria’s automotive sector holds immense potential for job creation, foreign exchange conservation, and technological advancement. He stressed that building a strong and sustainable industry requires deliberate collaboration between all levels of government and the private sector.
“Nigeria must rise to the challenge of developing a sustainable and competitive automotive sector that empowers our youths, boosts national pride, and supports economic independence,” Oborevwori stated.
He called on state governments to complement federal efforts by providing an enabling environment for investors through reforms in land acquisition, simplified business approvals, and community engagement that fosters social cohesion.
Delta’s Industrial Drive Under the MORE Agenda
Governor Oborevwori highlighted his administration’s MORE Agenda—which prioritizes Meaningful development, Opportunities for all, Realistic reforms, and Enhanced peace and security—as a blueprint for industrial growth in Delta State.
He noted that Delta is already investing heavily in infrastructure renewal, decentralized power supply, and public-private partnerships to attract and sustain industrial investors.
The Governor said Delta’s vast human and natural resources, including oil, gas, kaolin, silica, and industrial clay, position it as a strategic hub for industrialization and technology transfer. He added that the state’s coastal advantage, with four seaports and excellent connectivity to the South-South, South-East, and South-West regions, makes it ideal for automotive component manufacturing and export-oriented production.
A Catalyst for Economic Transformation
Governor Oborevwori emphasized that the automotive industry is one of the largest global employers and a key driver of economic growth, innovation, and value-chain development, influencing sectors such as steel production, petroleum refining, ICT, logistics, and finance.
He commended the House Committee on Industry and the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) for organizing the retreat, describing it as timely and strategic in advancing Nigeria’s economic diversification goals.
Lawmakers, Stakeholders Push for Policy Reform
In his remarks, Hon. Enitan Dolapo Badru, Chairman of the House Committee on Industry, said that Nigeria must deepen Executive–Legislative cooperation to make its automotive industry globally competitive.
He expressed concern over the high interest rates that have stifled manufacturing growth and called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and financial institutions to introduce single-digit interest loans to stimulate investment in the sector.
Also speaking, Mr. Oluwemimo Osanipin, Director-General of the NADDC, urged lawmakers to strengthen laws that attract private investment, noting that the auto industry is central to Nigeria’s industrialization agenda.
“Automotive manufacturing is not just about vehicles; it’s about building value chains that support steel, plastics, ICT, and logistics sectors,” Osanipin said.
Meanwhile, Dr. John Mutu, Director-General of the Africa Parliamentary Resource Centre, and Dr. Usman Ibrahim, Clerk of the Committee, said the retreat aims to deepen participants’ understanding of NADDC’s mandate and produce a two-year legislative roadmap for the Committee’s future engagements.
The Asaba retreat, according to participants, represents a crucial step toward aligning Nigeria’s legislative framework with its industrial aspirations—ensuring that the nation not only assembles cars but builds a future driven by innovation, jobs, and national pride.
