The Nigerian Senate has approved the Local Automotive Industry Patronage Bill, 2025, which mandates all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to exclusively procure vehicles manufactured within Nigeria. The bill, sponsored by Senator Patrick Ndubueze (Imo North), aims to boost local automotive production, create jobs, and reduce dependency on imported vehicles.
Under the bill, at least 75% of official vehicles used by MDAs must be sourced from Nigerian manufacturers that meet specific criteria, including 70% local workforce employment and significant investment in local research and development. The bill is now awaiting further legislative scrutiny and is seen as a major step towards economic diversification and strengthening the naira.