Senate Pushes for Nigerian-Made Cars: New Bill Aims to End Government Importation of Foreign Vehicles

 

In a bold move that could change Nigeria’s auto industry forever, the Senate has passed the second reading of a bill that would compel all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of government to buy only Nigerian-made vehicles. Yes, you read that right — if this bill becomes law, no more importing flashy foreign cars with taxpayers’ money. Instead, government officials would be riding proudly in vehicles manufactured right here in Naija!

The bill, officially titled the "Local Automotive Industry Patronage Bill, 2025," is sponsored by Senator Patrick Ndubueze, who represents Imo North. He first introduced the bill back in October 2024, and now it’s gaining serious momentum in the National Assembly.

During the plenary session where the bill was debated, Senator Ndubueze delivered a passionate speech on why the country must break free from its addiction to imported vehicles. He stressed that Nigeria’s over-reliance on foreign cars has been one of the major factors weakening the naira and damaging the local economy.

“Any country that aims to achieve steady economic growth and development must have a policy that encourages and provides a framework for local production,”
— Senator Patrick Ndubueze

He went on to explain that depending too much on imports drains Nigeria’s foreign reserves and kills the dream of building strong local industries. To change this, the country needs to start producing its own goods — including cars — and reduce imports while increasing exports.

“It is also important that goods and services are produced locally, as its ripple effect is a reduction in imports and a rise in exports (balance of trade),”
— Ndubueze

Ndubueze pointed out a painful truth — that Nigeria has failed to embrace its own homegrown brands, while glorifying imported products that, in many cases, are no better than what we can produce locally.

“Today we see the seesawing of the naira, and with every plunge, inflation bites harder,”
— Ndubueze

According to him, Nigeria has issued 54 automobile manufacturing licences, but only six companies are still active. Why? A mix of foreign exchange shortages, inconsistent government support, and poor infrastructure has pushed many auto companies to leave the country altogether.

Shockingly, some of these firms have packed up and moved their operations to Ghana. And now, they’re producing vehicles over there — still for the Nigerian market!

“How do we stem the free fall of the naira if we cannot address our appetite for foreign goods?”
— Ndubueze

“How do we support the development of indigenous brands if the biggest spender, year on year — the government — refuses to buy made-in-Nigeria goods?”
— Ndubueze

To reverse this worrying trend, Ndubueze proposed that at least 75% of all vehicles purchased by government officials and civil servants must be locally manufactured — not just assembled here, but actually built from scratch using mostly Nigerian resources.

“This is the first step to saving our economy, protecting our currency, and creating jobs for our people,”
— Ndubueze

He added that only companies that meet strict requirements should qualify as local manufacturers. These include:

• At least 70% Nigerian workforce

• Minimum 75% local spending on research and development (R&D)

• Use of modern technology like robotic painting machines and electrophoresis systems

For him, supporting the Nigerian automobile industry is not just an economic strategy — it’s a matter of national importance.

“Government support for local industry should be seen as both strategically important, a long-term investment, and a national security imperative,”
— Ndubueze

To drive home his point, he referenced countries like China, India, and Malaysia, which all banned imported cars in their early years to protect and grow their local industries. Today, those countries have fully developed auto sectors and are now exporting vehicles — including to Nigeria.

“Today, these countries have perfected their local processes, and we are now importing their products, some of which cannot compete with our locally manufactured vehicles,”
— Ndubueze

The bill received solid backing from other senators. One of them, Senator Mohammed Monguno (Borno Central and Senate Chief Whip), pointed out that the bill would finally give legal power to an existing directive by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), which encourages the use of local products.

“This law will insulate the directive from the whims and caprices of subsequent administrations who may want to reverse it,”
— Senator Monguno

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, was also full of praise for the bill. He said it could become a major turning point for Nigeria’s economy and the auto sector.

“The bill will provide jobs for automobile engineers in the country and encourage more investors to move into the sector. It will strengthen our economy and the naira and galvanise the automobile industry,”
— Senator Barau Jibrin

He added:

“We hope the process to get it assented to by the president will be expeditious,”

Now that the bill has passed its second reading, it has been referred to the Senate Committee on Public Procurement for further legislative work. The committee has been given four weeks to study the bill and submit a report.

Final Thoughts — What This Means for You and the Nation

If this bill becomes law, it could mark the beginning of a serious transformation in Nigeria’s economy. By making it mandatory for government bodies to buy Nigerian-made vehicles, we’ll be injecting billions of naira into local businesses, supporting innovation, and creating thousands of jobs.

Most importantly, this is about restoring pride in our own products. The same way Nigerians wear Ankara and eat local delicacies with pride, it's time to drive Nigerian-made vehicles with that same confidence. After all, if our leaders can’t trust made-in-Nigeria cars, why should the people?

Stay locked to NaijaRush for updates as this bill moves through the Senate — because this one could truly reshape Nigeria’s future.