Nigerian government prefers to buy imported vehicles because local manufacturers are still found wanting in terms of providing after-sale service, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite had disclosed.

The minister provided this clarification at a stakeholders’ engagement forum, organised by the National Automotive Design and Development Council in Lagos, recently.

The event had in attendance industry players who discussed the effective implementation of the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan.

The Minister said the government’s stance on prioritising after-sale service aligns with its commitment to operational efficiency, reliability, and fiscal responsibility in managing its fleet of vehicles.

She urged automakers at the forum a renewed focus on after-sale support to ensure sustained business success.

“The auto industry is key to achieving economic diversification, and this is in line with the mandate of the ministry to ensure full diversification and full industrialisation of the economy,” stated Minister Uzoka-Anite.

She underscored the government’s commitment to supporting local manufacturers, stating, “Addressing customer complaints is not solely the government’s responsibility. We want to encourage local manufacturers to take some responsibility for business and operational risks.”

She advised industry players to “Develop partnerships with those producing parts, and urged them to try as much as possible, to have centres that are accessible to their customers.”

Emphasising the importance of market research, the Minister suggested, “Always do market research to know the number of service centres you should have.”

In addressing the concerns of buyers of Nigerian vehicles, Uzoka-Anite noted, [i]“I have engaged a lot of people who buy Nigerian vehicles, and the common complaint is that they don’t have a service centre.

Islie:


https://punchng.com/minister-explains-why-govt-prefers-imported-vehicles/

Islie:


https://punchng.com/minister-explains-why-govt-prefers-imported-vehicles/

Truckpusher:
It's not a lame excuse as most of you are insinuating here, though I understand we've made it a habit of not believing our Government because all they is to lie to us year in year out.

I work for an outfit that got more than 20 pieces of Innoson vehicles especially the IVM carrier and IVM granite model . As I'm typing this right now 98% of these vehicles are parked in the workshop with no spare parts to repair minor challenges. Imagine relying on that kind of manufacturer to provide vehicles for your entire fleet , it would become a logistic nightmare and will disrupt operations and to make matters worst the Innoson man himself is just your typical irresponsible Nigerian businessman who's not ready to make any tangible changes All he wants is to be paid without adding value to his vehicles year in year out after all he's fully aware that with the local content policy , we will always come around to patronize his greedy ass.

Johnrake69:



Oga you’re lying.

Racoon:
Hear the stupid thing a whole of a country is saying. NASS said the same thing. Minister said the same thing all to steal money.

They don't even believe in the country they are looting. She would have commit hakihari or be executed if Nigeria was China, Japan or North Korea.

Truckpusher:
It's not a lame excuse as most of you are insinuating here, though I understand we've made it a habit of not believing our Government because all they is to lie to us year in year out.

I work for an outfit that got more than 20 pieces of Innoson vehicles especially the IVM carrier and IVM granite model . As I'm typing this right now 98% of these vehicles are parked in the workshop with no spare parts to repair minor challenges. Imagine relying on that kind of manufacturer to provide vehicles for your entire fleet , it would become a logistic nightmare and will disrupt operations and to make matters worst the Innoson man himself is just your typical irresponsible Nigerian businessman who's not ready to make any tangible changes All he wants is to be paid without adding value to his vehicles year in year out after all he's fully aware that with the local content policy , we will always come around to patronize his greedy ass.