ZAINAB JUNAID
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Nigeria First’ Policy which prioritises the use of locally manufactured goods and services in government procurements has been praised by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.
Adeniyi made the commendation on Thursday, 8 May 2025, following a special inspection of vehicles assembled by members of the Nigeria Automotive Manufacturers Association, NAMA, at the Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
He lauded President Tinubu’s initiative which promotes the patronage of made in Nigeria goods and service for government procurements, particularly in the automobile industry.
While commending NAMA for delivering quality products, the CGC expressed satisfaction with the vehicles’ quality and also pledged that the Service would continue to patronise and support the automobile sector for the nation’s industrial economy’s growth.
He said, “In terms of aesthetics, I am satisfied with what I see here. In terms of functionality, we have been assured by the manufacturers that the vehicles are quite efficient.
“What gives me joy is that in all the vehicles I have seen today, there is an imprint of Nigeria, which shows that they are fully assembled here. It gives me joy that Mr. President’s policy is on the right course”.
Responding, Chief Executive Officer of Cedric Masters Group, Ilekuba Anselm, commended the CGC for his unwavering support for the automobile industry.
Also, Oluwatobi Ajayi, Chairman of Nord Automobile Limited, praised the CGC, stating, “Even before this policy was announced, you had been championing made-in-Nigeria vehicles.
“With Mr. President’s announcement, we are confident that you will be the first CEO of a government parastatal to fully champion this policy.”
He assured the CGC that the company would provide after sales service for its vehicles.
Similarly, Jonas Ojukwu, a Director at Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited (IVM), assured the Nigeria Customs Service of the company’s commitment to delivering quality products.
Representatives from Mikano Motors Nigeria and Stallion Motors Nigeria also spoke at the event.
