Auto policy: NAC sets guidelines for MODAN
The National Automotive Council (NAC) is to set out operational guidelines for licensing dealers and importers for sale of motor vehicles to the Nigeria public under the new automotive policy. What this move implies is that, instead of the usual importation and distribution of used vehicles, the respective automobile dealers will be in a position to have access to locally assembled cars from the local manufacturers for distribution to the end user.
Presenting plan of action for integrating motor vehicles dealers under the policy implementation, Aminu Jalal, an engineer, director general of NAC, told members of the Motor Dealers Association of Nigeria (MODAN) that the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) introduced by the federal government in 2013 is geared towards developing the manufacturing capacity of the local automotive industry.
In addition, it is expected to enhance technology transfer, generate employment and stem the loss of foreign exchange which hitherto was used to fund the purchase of cars.
The NAC director general stated that under the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP), Motor Vehicle (MV) dealers are integral to the success of the automotive policy.
Jalal revealed that currently, most vehicles dealers trade in used cars and maintained that, going forward, it is the intention of the Council they encourage then to become dealers in locally manufactured vehicles.
To this end, NAC will introduce companies to manufacturers and offer support to companies that meet the requirements of becoming motor vehicle dealers in the registration guidelines. It is expected that in the nearest future, used vehicles sold in Nigeria, will be those generated internally and not those imported from abroad.
He promised that the National Automotive Council will meet continually with the leadership of the motor dealers to look into emerging challenges that they may face with a view to tackling them in the course of implementing the auto policy.
NAC said that with the cooperation of relevant stakeholders, the success of the policy will go a long way in improving the economy through job creation, provision of skill for industry works and also help in achieving balance of payment with international trade partners.
The NAC boss disclosed that in order to improve the quality of cars sold, all vehicles imported into the country must have road worthiness certificate from their countries of origin.
Furthermore, importers are to ensures that their vehicles obtain SON CAP certificate as these measures will help ensure that only cars in good condition are imported into the country.
MIKE OCHONMA