In a resounding call for unified action, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged a fortified alliance between the executive and legislative branches of government to revitalize and elevate Nigeria's automotive industry to international standards of competitiveness. This appeal was articulated during the official opening of a pivotal retreat organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Industry in collaboration with the National Automobile Design and Development Council (NADDC). The event, convened in the serene capital city of Asaba, marked a significant milestone in the nation's ongoing efforts to diversify its economy away from over-reliance on oil and toward robust industrial growth.
Governor Oborevwori, who was ably represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Johnson Erijo, delivered his address on Monday, emphasizing the retreat's theme: “Building a Global Competitive Automotive Sector in Nigeria through Effective Executive–Legislative Partnership.” He lauded the organizers for their visionary initiative, deeming the gathering not only timely but also strategically pivotal amid Nigeria's broader economic diversification agenda. The governor's remarks underscored the automotive industry's potential as a cornerstone for innovation, economic expansion, and widespread job creation, drawing parallels with thriving global models in Europe and the United States.
In these advanced economies, the automotive sector is far more than a mere assembly of vehicles; it is a multifaceted ecosystem that sustains millions of jobs and invigorates ancillary industries. For instance, steel production, information and communication technology (ICT), petroleum refining, and even logistics are intricately linked to automotive manufacturing. Oborevwori pointed out that in the U.S., the industry employs over 4 million people directly and indirectly, contributing trillions to the GDP annually through supply chains that span continents. Similarly, Europe's automotive giants, such as Germany's Volkswagen and France's Renault, have long demonstrated how policy-driven innovation can lead to technological leadership and export dominance. Nigeria, the governor argued, must emulate these successes by fostering an environment where local ingenuity meets global standards.
"The core objectives of this retreat align seamlessly with my administration’s overarching vision to fast-track industrialization within Delta State," Oborevwori stated. He elaborated that achieving this requires harmonious legislative support in areas such as incentives for domestic manufacturing, dedicated funding for critical infrastructure, and comprehensive programs for workforce skill enhancement. On the executive side, he stressed the necessity for unwavering policy stability, streamlined business operations, and robust safeguards for indigenous industries. "Nigeria possesses the capability—and indeed the imperative—to cultivate an automotive sector that is not only sustainable and competitive on the world stage but also instrumental in youth empowerment and the preservation of scarce foreign exchange reserves," he asserted.
Delving deeper into the roles of subnational entities, Governor Oborevwori highlighted their indispensable contributions in supplementing federal initiatives. States like Delta can drive progress through investor-centric reforms, expedited approval processes, and policies that promote societal harmony and stability. Under his administration's MORE Agenda—an acronym standing for Meaningful Opportunities, Realistic Reforms, and Enduring Legacy—the state is actively engineering a conducive ecosystem for industrial flourishing. This includes extensive infrastructure overhauls, such as road networks and utility upgrades; strategic public-private partnerships (PPPs) to attract capital and expertise; decentralized energy solutions to ensure reliable power supply; and enhanced security frameworks to instill investor confidence.
Delta State's inherent strengths were prominently showcased as key enablers for automotive and related manufacturing ventures. The state boasts abundant natural resources, including oil, gas, and minerals, which can serve as raw materials for component production. Its coastal geography, coupled with four operational seaports—Warri, Burutu, Sapele, and Koko—offers unparalleled logistical advantages for importing parts, assembling vehicles, and exporting finished products. "Delta's strategic positioning as a nexus connecting the South-South, South-East, and South-West geopolitical zones transforms it into an ideal commercial and industrial hub," Oborevwori explained. This connectivity facilitates efficient supply chains, reduces transportation costs, and positions the state as a gateway for intra-regional trade, potentially mirroring the efficiency of automotive clusters in countries like Thailand or Mexico.
The governor expressed buoyant optimism that the retreat's deliberations would yield actionable blueprints to redefine Nigeria's automotive landscape. He committed his administration to meticulously reviewing and implementing the recommendations emerging from the discussions, ensuring they translate into tangible policies. In a lighter vein, as he formally declared the retreat open, Oborevwori encouraged attendees to immerse themselves in Asaba's cultural and tourist offerings during their stay. The city's vibrant hospitality, historical sites, and natural beauty, he noted, provide a perfect backdrop for reflective and productive engagements.
Concluding on an inspirational note, the governor envisioned a transformative future: "United in purpose, we can forge an automotive industry that stands as a beacon of national pride, a catalyst for technological breakthroughs, and a pillar of enduring economic prosperity." His words resonated as a clarion call for collective resolve, reminding stakeholders that the path to global competitiveness demands not just vision but synchronized execution across government tiers.
Preceding the governor's address, Hon. Enitan Badru, Chairman of the House Committee on Industry, delivered opening remarks that reinforced the retreat's significance. Badru emphasized that the forum was meticulously designed to strengthen Nigeria's automotive capabilities through enhanced executive-legislative collaboration. He outlined the committee's commitment to legislative interventions that could address longstanding challenges, such as inadequate funding, technological gaps, and regulatory hurdles. By bridging the executive's policy implementation with legislative oversight and lawmaking, Badru argued, Nigeria could unlock the sector's latent potential, creating a ripple effect of economic benefits.
The retreat itself featured a lineup of expert presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions involving policymakers, industry captains, academics, and international partners. Topics ranged from adopting electric vehicle technologies and sustainable manufacturing practices to incentivizing local content in vehicle assembly. Participants explored case studies from emerging automotive powers like India and South Africa, where government-industry synergies have spurred rapid growth. Delta State's delegation actively contributed insights on subnational incentives, proposing models for replication nationwide.
This event arrives at a critical juncture for Nigeria's automotive sector, which has historically been hampered by import dependency, inconsistent policies, and infrastructure deficits. Despite these obstacles, nascent successes—such as the operations of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing in Nnewi and Peugeot Automobile Nigeria in Kaduna—demonstrate viable pathways forward. Governor Oborevwori's advocacy for stronger partnerships signals a renewed governmental push to scale these efforts, potentially positioning Nigeria as Africa's automotive powerhouse.
In broader context, the automotive industry's revival aligns with national goals under the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By prioritizing local production, the country could reduce its annual import bill for vehicles and parts, estimated at over $8 billion, while generating thousands of skilled jobs. Delta State's MORE Agenda exemplifies how state-level initiatives can complement federal strategies, creating a federated approach to industrial renaissance.
As the retreat concluded its sessions, the consensus was clear: executive-legislative harmony is non-negotiable for success. Governor Oborevwori's pledge to support manufacturing and job creation under his agenda not only bolsters Delta's role but also inspires a national movement. With deliberate action on the retreat's outcomes, Nigeria's automotive sector could soon accelerate from peripheral player to global contender, driving inclusive growth and sustainable development for generations to come.
