Automakers in Nigeria have berated Senate’s N3.9bn vehicle imports, saying the upper chamber could have saved suffering Nigerians 40 per cent of the eventual outlay and sustain at least 50 medium scale enterprises had it procured vehicles assembled locally.

It is a rude shock to learn of the decision of the Senate to procure imported fully built Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) when much more affordable locally assembled alternatives were offered.

“Local vehicle assemblies need consistent patronage to increase capacity and expand facilities to produce more units at affordable prices and gradually move towards global competitiveness and self-sustainability.”

These were the words of the Nigerian Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA) at a media conference in Lagos where it berated the Senate for the procurement of wholly imported SUVs at the detriment of local manufacturers.

NAMA Chairman Tokunbo Aromolaran, said the Senate’s action could lead to loss of 4000 jobs and roughly 50 ancillary industries engaged by the home-grown Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs.)

The procurement of Toyota Land Cruiser VXR V8 SUVs valued at a whooping N3.9 billion, NAMA said, would hold down the automotive industry by at least four years.

Aromolaran wondered if the Senate was aware of a circular from the Office of the Secretary to the Government mandating all government agencies to procure made-in-Nigeria vehicles except if it is not available.

He urged the Bureau of Public Procurement to beam its searchlight on the Senate so as not to derail government’s policy. (TVC)

•Photo shows Senate President Bukola Saraki.