The Federal Government, through the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), has announced plans to commence local manufacturing of 10 critical vehicle spare parts.

This initiative aims to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported spare parts, which costs the country approximately $1 billion annually.

Joseph Osanipin, the Director General of NADDC, made this known during the closing event of a two-week training program for auto engineers and software specialists in automotive design held in Abuja.

Speaking through the Director of Research Design and Development, Fidelis Achiv, Osanipin outlined the council’s commitment to developing Nigeria’s automotive industry by increasing the local assembling component to 40% from the current less than 1%.

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“We are working to achieve a level whereby we can go back to assembling vehicles that have up to 40% locally manufactured components. Vehicles that have been assembled come in completely built… We want to transform from that to a level where these vehicles come in unpainted, the welding is done here, some components are produced here, and the assembly will add more value and employ more people,” Achiv explained.

He highlighted the potential market, stating, “Of the over 3,000 parts in a vehicle, if we can leverage on producing just 10 that we can beat our chest, that in the whole world, Nigeria produces these 10 components and they are the best, the market is going to be huge. Our economy will change.”

The training program, conducted in collaboration with South Korea’s Midas IT Co., introduced 15 participants to Midas NFX software, a tool for automotive modeling and design. This initiative is expected to equip Nigerian engineers with the skills needed to produce world-class vehicle parts.

Abdul-Lawal Zubair, Managing Director of FAZSAL Nigeria Limited, encouraged participants to apply their newly acquired skills to advance the local automotive sector. He said, “You have not just seen the theory of design but with practicality. Solve the issue for us… Be innovative and give solutions.”

Expressing gratitude, a participant named Lukman praised the program, stating, “The knowledge we gained in this training has widened my level of thinking and reasoning. Midas has taught me how to be creative in terms of producing what we consume.”

This move by the NADDC represents a significant step towards achieving self-sufficiency in vehicle spare parts production, fostering economic growth, and creating jobs within the automotive industry.

The remains of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, have arrived at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja, signaling the start of his burial ceremony according to military protocols.

The body arrived promptly at 3:00 p.m. on November 15, 2024, transported in an ambulance. Following tradition, the casket was received and will be positioned by pallbearers before a moment of silence is observed to honor the late COAS.

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During the ceremony, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Minister of Defence, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are expected to deliver tributes highlighting Lt. Gen.

Lagbaja’s contributions to the nation. Afterward, the national flag will be presented to his next of kin, and the casket will be lowered.

Dignitaries, including the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and other government officials, will lay wreaths in memory of the late army chief, paying their last respects.

Lt. Gen. Lagbaja is remembered for his service and dedication to the Nigerian Army and the nation. The ceremony underscores the nation’s gratitude for his commitment and leadership.

The Supreme Court has unanimously dismissed a lawsuit challenging the legality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Act, upholding the continued existence of the anti-graft agency.

A seven-man panel of justices, led by Justice Uwani-Abba-Aji, ruled that the case, filed by Attorneys General from several states, was without merit.

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The lawsuit, initially filed by the Attorneys General of 16 states, sought the dissolution of the EFCC, which was established to combat corruption in Nigeria.

The states involved in the case included Ondo, Edo, Oyo, Ogun, Nassarawa, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, Jigawa, Enugu, Benue, Anambra, Plateau, Cross-River, and Niger.

As the legal proceedings unfolded, some states withdrew their support, while others joined the case as co-plaintiffs.

Notably, Imo, Bauchi, and Osun states joined the suit on October 22, while Anambra, Ebonyi, and Adamawa states withdrew, leading to the dismissal of their claims by the court.

The ruling strengthens the EFCC’s legal foundation, ensuring the continued operation of the commission in its fight against financial crimes in the country.