A business executive and dealer in the automotive industry, Engr. Aminu Mahmood, has made case for the provision of Auto Intervention Fund, to support the development of locally assembled automobile and spare parts companies in the country.
According to him, it has become imperative for government to give such support to operators of the industry, given the negative impact of Covid-19 pandemic.
Mahmood, while speaking to aviation correspondents on arrival at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Monday, said that there was an urgent need to revive the assembly plants or expand their operations.
“This is necessary because of the importance of the automotive industry to national development, especially in terms of employment and technology transfer.
“Apart from funding for intervention and bailouts, without patronage, the capacity of the industry will not be increased and employment will not be created.
“Nigeria has come a long way, yet not much have been achieved in the automobile manufacturingand engineering, so we need to improve”, he said.
The auto industry business executive,however, applauded the impact made by some automobile companies like the Innoson motors, and PAN in the development of the Nigerian automotive industry.
He regretted the removal of automotive levy in 2007, which he said, would have given more impetus to the development of the industry.
According to him, the industry would only thrive if there is good patronage from Nigerians, especially from government agencies, rather than relying on importing second hand vehicles with the associated hazards.

By: Corlins Walter