Oborevwori Urges Legislative Action to Power Nigeria’s Auto Revolution

Delta State Governor,Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called for legislative support for Nigeria’s automotive industry, emphasizing the need for policies that promote local manufacturing, infrastructure funding, and skill development.

Speaking in Asaba while declaring open a four-day retreat organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Industry, the Governor said the collaboration between the Executive and Legislative arms of government is vital for achieving policy consistency, improving the ease of doing business, and protecting local industries.

The retreat, themed “Building a Globally Competitive Automotive Sector in Nigeria through Effective Executive–Legislative Partnership,” brought together key stakeholders from government, industry, and development institutions.

Governor Oborevwori, represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Prince Johnson Erijo, said Nigeria must build a sustainable and globally competitive automotive sector that empowers youths, conserves foreign exchange, and promotes national pride.

He stressed that sub-national governments should complement federal efforts by creating investor-friendly environments through land reforms, simplified approval processes, and social cohesion.

Under his administration’s MORE Agenda, Delta State is fostering an enabling environment for industries to thrive through infrastructure renewal, public-private partnerships, decentralized power supply, and enhanced peace and security.

According to the Governor, Delta State’s educated youth population, combined with its rich natural resources—including oil, gas, kaolin, silica, and industrial clay—positions it strategically to support industrial growth and technology transfer.

He also highlighted the state’s coastal location, four seaports, and strategic connectivity to the South-South, South-East, and South-West regions as major advantages for automotive component manufacturing and export-oriented production.

Governor Oborevwori noted that the global automotive industry remains a major employer and a catalyst for economic growth and innovation, driving sectors such as steel, petroleum refining, ICT, 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 in Nigeria’s quest to diversify its economy and revive local manufacturing.

In his remarks, Hon. Enitan Dolapo Badru, Chairman of the House Committee on Industry, said a strong Executive–Legislative partnership is essential to make Nigeria’s automotive sector globally competitive.

Badru lamented the high interest rates affecting manufacturers and urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other financial institutions to provide single-digit loans for automotive investments.

Also speaking, Mr. Oluwemimo Osanipin, Director-General of NADDC, called on lawmakers to enact laws that encourage investments in the automotive industry, noting that the sector plays a critical role in economic diversification and industrialization.

Meanwhile, Dr. John Mutu, Director-General of the Africa Parliamentary Resource Centre, and Dr. Usman Ibrahim, Clerk of the Committee, said the retreat would deepen participants’ understanding of NADDC’s mandate and help develop a two-year roadmap to guide the Committee’s future activities.