The Local Automobile Industry Patronage Bill, 2025, passed its second reading in the Senate on Thursday, following the lead debate on its general principles by the bill’s sponsor, Senator Patrick Ndubueze (APC–Imo).
While presenting the bill, Senator Ndubueze explained that its purpose is to make it mandatory for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prioritise local manufacturers and indigenous companies in the procurement of goods and services.
He added that the bill also aims to prohibit the exclusion of locally produced goods from public procurement processes, as well as to address related matters.
Senator Ndubueze emphasised that any nation seeking consistent economic growth and development must have a policy framework that encourages and supports local production.
“It is essential that goods and services are produced domestically, as this has the ripple effect of reducing imports and increasing exports, improving the balance of trade,” he stated.
He expressed concern that Nigeria has failed, over the years, to institutionalise the use of indigenous products, brands and services, instead favouring foreign goods of no demonstrably superior quality.
“This failure has had a significant impact on our economy. Today, we witness the unstable performance of the Naira, and with every decline, inflation deepens.
“Nigeria must, at this point in our history, enforce a sustainable policy on the use of made-in-Nigeria automobiles. Imported vehicles account for billions of dollars in foreign exchange outflows annually.
“One of the largest expenditures within the public and civil services is the procurement of foreign automobiles,” he said.
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Senator Ndubueze maintained that rescuing the Naira must begin with the adoption of sustainable economic practices, the foremost being the institutionalisation of made-in-Nigeria vehicle purchases.
Contributing to the debate, Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno, affirmed that increased use and patronage of Nigerian-made goods would strengthen local industries, create employment, and enhance the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“Mr President, if I may remind you, the Federal Executive Council passed a resolution just last week, urging Nigerians to patronise locally produced goods.
“All government ministries, departments and agencies were similarly directed to prioritise made-in-Nigeria products to promote domestic industries,” he noted.
Senator Monguno added that the bill essentially provides the legal backing required to implement that resolution, rather than relying solely on Executive fiat.
In his closing remarks, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau stated that patronising Nigerian-made vehicles would significantly support the national economy.
