The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has intensified efforts to formalise Nigeria’s automotive dealership ecosystem with the rollout of its Dealership Registration Portal, describing the initiative as a major step towards creating a transparent, data-driven and globally competitive automotive industry.
Speaking at the Lagos session of the National Sensitisation Workshop on the NADDC Dealership Registration Portal held yesterday, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NADDC, Otunba Oluwemimo Osanipin, said the digital platform would transform how government regulates and supports vehicle dealerships across the country.
Osanipin described the portal as a key component of the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP 2023–2033), noting that it aligns with the federal government’s agenda to digitise Nigeria’s industrial ecosystem, reports Daily Trust.
He said the registration platform goes beyond an administrative exercise, adding that it would provide the foundation for a structured and formal automotive dealership sector.
According to him, the absence of a centralised and reliable database has long hindered effective planning, policy development and regulation within the automotive industry.
“For too long, the industry has suffered from information asymmetry. Without a centralized, real-time database, it has been difficult to track market trends, verify the integrity of vehicles entering our market, or provide necessary support to our hard-working dealers,” he said.
Osanipin explained that the portal would create a transparent environment where registered dealers can interact more effectively with local vehicle manufacturers and government agencies, while also improving their access to financing opportunities and legal recognition.
Addressing vehicle dealers directly, the NADDC boss described the platform as a business enabler rather than a regulatory burden.
“This portal is your partner. It is designed to lower the barriers to formal business, increase your credibility with financial institutions, and provide you with a seat at the table in our national policy-making process. When you register, you are validating your business for the modern era,” he said.
He further stated that NADDC, in collaboration with the House of Representatives Committee on Industry, remains committed to eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks through digital innovation.
According to him, the digital registration process is expected to reduce human interference, curb corruption and provide equal opportunities for dealers irrespective of their size.
Osanipin urged participants at the workshop to take advantage of the technical sessions by engaging with facilitators and completing their registration before leaving the venue.
“The future of the Nigerian automotive industry is digital, and that future starts with the actions we take in this room today,” he added while declaring the Lagos session of the sensitisation workshop officially open.
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the House Committee on Industry, Hon. Dr. Enitan Dolapo Badru, described the automotive sector as a critical driver of industrialisation, employment generation and economic diversification.
He said the Dealership Registration Portal would address longstanding challenges associated with fragmented industry data and poor visibility within the dealership sub-sector.
According to Badru, the digital platform would enhance vehicle licensing processes, improve regulatory compliance and provide reliable real-time data for government, financial institutions and industry stakeholders.
He noted that accurate data remains essential for effective planning and policy implementation.
The Dealership Registration Portal is one of several digital reforms being implemented by NADDC under the NAIDP 2023–2033 to improve industry regulation, promote local automotive manufacturing and establish a comprehensive national database for the sector.
In his remark, National President of AMDON, Prince Ajibola Adedoyin commended the NADDC, stating that the initiative is a welcome development.
Prince Adedoyin stated that, now that the government has come in, to properly regulate them, they will be able to flush out non-registered dealers.
“Now that the government is coming to regulate, they will be able to flush out those that are not real vehicle dealers; those that are making it difficult for the real business owners to do their business”.
“On the implementation, it has to do with the head. I know that it was the President that launched the Nigeria First policy and he meant it. Again, the NADDC DG that we have now is doing well in the industry and is taking everything seriously. We are so positive that it will be implemented and then the benefits will accrue to the economy,” Adedoyin said.
