The Senate on Thursday extended the legislative process aimed at mandating the ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) of government to prioritise locally manufactured automobiles in their procurement processes.

Specifically, the piece of legislation, titled: Local Automotive Industry Patronage Bill, 2025, sponsored by Senator Patrick Ndubueze (APC Imo North), passed second reading during the plenary.

Leading debate on the bill, Ndubueze decried Nigeria’s longstanding overdependence on imported goods, especially automobiles, saying the practice has negatively impacted the naira and undermined local industries.

“Any country that aims to achieve steady economic growth and development must have a policy that encourages and provides a framework for local production. It is also important that goods and services are produced locally as its ripple effect is a reduction in imports and a rise in exports (balance of trade),” he said.

Ndubueze lamented that the country had failed to institutionalize the use of indigenous products, brands, and services and had instead glorified foreign goods of no particular superior quality, saying “today we see the see-sawing of the naira and with every plunge, inflation bites harder.”

He added that despite the issuance of 54 automobile manufacturing licences, only six companies remain operational due to forex constraints and inadequate infrastructure, while several automakers moved to nearby Ghana and are setting up assembly plants there with plans to export the vehicles to Nigeria.

The lawmaker stressed the urgent need for a sustainable automobile policy that would institutionalise the use of Nigerian-made vehicles, especially in government.

He said: “How do we stem the free fall of the naira if we cannot address our appetite for foreign goods? How do we support the development of indigenous brands if the biggest spender, year on year — government — refuses to buy made-in-Nigeria goods?”

Ndubueze, therefore, proposed that at least 75% of official vehicles used by public officers and civil servants should be locally manufactured, not merely assembled, saying “this is the first step to saving our economy, protecting our currency, and creating jobs for our people.”

According to him, companies that qualify as local manufacturers must meet conditions such as having at least 70% Nigerian workforce, investing 75% of their R&D budget locally, and possessing full-scale technology like robotic painting machines and electrophoresis systems.

“Government support for local industry should be seen as both strategically important, a long-term investment, and a national security imperative,” he maintained.

Ndubueze cited examples of countries like China, India, and Malaysia, which initially banned imported cars to grow their local automotive sectors, noting that “today, these countries have perfected their local processes, and we are now importing their products, some of which cannot compete with our locally manufactured vehicles.”

In his contribution, the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Mongunu (APC Borno North), said the proposal would give legislative teeth to the Federal Executive Council (FEC)’s earlier directive on prioritising local products, stressing that “this law will insulate the directive from the whims and caprices of subsequent administrations who may want to reverse it.”

Also supporting the bill, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, said its passage would “provide jobs for automobile engineers in the country and encourage more investors to move into the sector.”

The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Public Procurement for further legislative input and is expected to report back in four weeks.

HON. EBERE, INAUGURATED AS FEDERAL BOARD CHAIRMAN IN MARINE AND BLUE ECONOMY MINISTRY

_Imo APC Chairman Takes on National Role, Pledges Transformation, Commends President Tinubu and Gov. Uzodimma for Visionary Leadership

13-05-2025

Abuja, Nigeria – In a momentous ceremony held today in Abuja, Hon. MacDonald Ebere, PhD, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State, was officially inaugurated as the Board Chairman of the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

The inauguration, which drew dignitaries, party stalwarts, ministry officials, and well-wishers from across the country, marks a significant elevation for the Imo APC Chairman and a strong testament to his years of dedicated public service and strategic political leadership.

Approved by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, the appointment is widely seen as a well-deserved recognition of Hon. Ebere’s unwavering commitment to grassroots mobilization, party cohesion, and effective governance in Imo State. It also aligns with the President’s renewed hope agenda of repositioning key institutions for sustainable national development.

In his inaugural address, Hon. Ebere expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for finding him worthy of the important national assignment. He also paid glowing tribute to the Governor of Imo State, Dist Sen Hope Uzodimma, whom he described as his political leader, mentor, and benefactor.

“I am deeply honored and humbled by the trust reposed in me by His Excellency, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu,” he stated. “This appointment is not only a call to service but a responsibility I accept with utmost dedication. I also wish to sincerely thank my leader and mentor, Governor Hope Uzodimma, whose mentorship, political guidance, and unwavering support have continued to shape my journey in public service.”

Hon. Ebere reaffirmed his commitment to leveraging his new position to drive meaningful reforms, promote institutional excellence, and support the broader vision of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in achieving sustainable exploitation and management of Nigeria’s aquatic resources.

According to him, “The Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology stands as a critical institution in our nation’s blue economy strategy. My goal is to bring to bear my experience in administration, political leadership, and stakeholder coordination to reposition the college as a centre of innovation, capacity-building, and excellence.”

He further emphasized the need for synergy between federal institutions and state actors to maximize opportunities in the marine sector, noting that enhanced education and training in fisheries and marine technology are vital to food security, employment creation, and economic diversification.

Hon. Ebere’s inauguration has been met with widespread praise from within and outside the APC. Many political watchers see his new role as not only a reward for loyalty and competence but also a bridge for deepening collaboration between Imo State and the federal government.

Macdonald Ebere with Hon Henry Nwawuba former House of Representatives Member Representing Mbaitoli/Ikeduru Federal Constituency

With a reputation for discipline, vision, and effective leadership, stakeholders are optimistic that Hon. MacDonald Ebere will deliver transformative results that will elevate the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology to greater heights and further reinforce Nigeria’s position in the global blue economy space.

Hon Chike Okafor at the event to grace the occasion of the Inauguration of Macdonald Ebere as BOARD CHAIRMAN IN MARINE AND BLUE ECONOMY MINISTRY

As the applause and commendations continue to pour in, today’s event marks yet another feather in the cap of the Imo APC Chairman, who now carries the hopes of both his state and the nation in this strategic national assignment.

Julian Chijioke

‎
‎A social reform group called The Crusader has strongly criticized former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan over her recent comments regarding the 2027 presidential elections, where she mentioned that she’s supporting the current first lady in 2027 Election.
‎
‎The Crusader’s spokesperson, Adesola Babafemi, emphasized that the decision on who wins the 2027 elections ultimately lies with the Nigerian electorate, not with Dame Patience Jonathan.
‎
‎Babafemi also took the opportunity to highlight recent developments surrounding Dame Patience Jonathan’s assets which in his opinion might be the reason the former first has decided to pitch her tent with the ruling party.
‎
‎He pointed out that the current administration had returned properties previously seized from her by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
‎
‎”It is worth mentioning that the federal government has returned all properties seized from Dame Patience by the EFCC. This raises questions about her motivations and her alignment with the ruling party,”
‎
‎