Abuja
Senate Sets To Enforce Use Of Nigerian-Made Vehicles In MDAs
Senate Sets To Enforce Use Of Nigerian-Made Vehicles In MDAs
Senate sets to enforce use of Nigerian-made vehicles in MDAs. A bill seeking to compel ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to prioritise the purchase of Nigerian-made vehicles has passed second reading in the senate.
The legislation, titled ‘Local Automotive Industry Patronage Bill, 2025’, is sponsored by Patrick Ndubueze, senator representing Imo north.
Ndubueze introduced the bill in October 2024 and passed its first reading. Leading debate on the bill during plenary, Ndubueze said Nigeria’s overdependence on imported automobiles has continued to weaken the naira and damage 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,” he said.
“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).”
The senator said Nigeria had failed to institutionalise the use of indigenous brands and instead glorified foreign products of no superior value.
“Today we see the seesawing of the naira, and with every plunge, inflation bites harder,” he said.
Ndubueze said 54 automobile manufacturing licences had been issued in Nigeria, noting that only six companies remain operational due to forex shortages and poor infrastructure.
He added that many automobile firms had moved to Ghana, where they are now setting up plants to produce vehicles for the Nigerian market.
“How do we stem the free fall of the naira if we cannot address our appetite for foreign goods?” he asked.
“How do we support the development of indigenous brands if the biggest spender, year on year — the government — refuses to buy made-in-Nigeria goods?”
He proposed that at least 75 percent of vehicles procured by public officers and civil servants be locally manufactured, not merely assembled.
“This is the first step to saving our economy, protecting our currency, and creating jobs for our people,” he said.
He said only firms with at least 70 percent Nigerian workforce, 75 percent local research and development (R&D) spend, and technology such as robotic painting machines and electrophoresis systems should qualify as local manufacturers.
“Government support for local industry should be seen as both strategically important, a long-term investment, and a national security imperative,” he said.
He cited China, India, and Malaysia as examples of countries that banned imported cars in their early years to grow domestic industries.
“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,” he said.
Mohammed Monguno, senate chief whip and senator representing Borno central, said the bill would give legal backing to an existing directive by the federal executive council (FEC) on the use of local products.
Senate
“This law will insulate the directive from the whims and caprices of subsequent administrations who may want to reverse it,” he said.
Barau Jibrin, deputy senate president and the presiding officer, said the bill would “provide jobs for automobile engineers in the country and encourage more investors to move into the sector.”
The deputy senate president said the bill will “strengthen our economy and the naira and galvanise the automobile industry.
“We hope the process to get it assented to by the president will be expeditious,” Barau added.
The bill was referred to the senate committee on public procurement for further legislative scrutiny, with a report expected within four weeks.
On Wednesday, the senate commenced an investigation into alleged violations of the federal character principle in recruitment and appointments across MDAs.
The probe began with an interactive session between the senate committee on federal character and heads of key federal agencies.
The inquiry follows a resolution passed on March 25 after a motion sponsored by Osita Ngwu, the minority whip and senator representing Enugu west.
Wike Tells FCT Residents In Eid-el-Fitr Message, Says “Remain Peaceful Throughout The Year”
Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has urged residents of Abuja to sustain the values of compassion, forgiveness and unity imbibed during Ramadan as Muslims celebrate Eid-el-Fitr.
In his 2026 Eid message to residents, Wike described the fasting period as one marked by spiritual renewal and reflection, calling on residents not to abandon its lessons.
“As we celebrate Eid Fitr – the culmination of the Ramadan fast, I urge you all to carry forward the values of compassion, forgiveness, and unity that Ramadan embodies,” he said.
He congratulated Muslim faithful in the FCT on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast, noting that the period had fostered stronger bonds among residents.
The minister also commended the spirit of generosity and coexistence demonstrated across religious lines during the holy month.
“Within the FCT, it is reassuring to see Muslims sharing and caring for fellow Muslims and non-Muslims alike in the last 30 days,” he said.
“Individuals and corporate organisations have, by their conduct during this holy month, demonstrated their commitment and cooperation towards maintaining Abuja’s pride of place as the Centre of Unity, Peace and Harmony in Nigeria.”
Wike implored residents to pray for Nigeria’s leaders and the country’s continued peace and development.
“This occasion also offers us a unique opportunity to pray for our leaders, and indeed, our country Nigeria, that we may continue to enjoy peace and progress,” he said.
Looking ahead to political activities in the country, he urged residents to remain peaceful regardless of affiliations.
“I urge all residents regardless of political affiliation, gender or tribe to take a cue from the Muslim Ummah, and maintain peaceful conduct throughout the year while praying for the FCT, and the nation as a whole at this period,” he added.
Wike
“The security agencies are working round the clock to ensure that residents celebrate and enjoy the occasion in peace, tranquility and orderliness.”
Wike reaffirmed the FCT administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, while continuing efforts to develop Abuja into a world-class city.
Adwa Victory At 130: Ethiopia Marks Historic Triumph And Women’s Day In Abuja
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Abuja hosted a colourful celebration on Saturday, March 7, 2026, to mark the 130th Anniversary of the Victory of Adwa alongside International Women’s Day.
The event, held under the themes “Adwa 130: From a Dark History to a Bright Horizon!” and “50 Years of Women’s Voice for Equality and Prosperity,” brought together Ethiopians living in Nigeria, people of Ethiopian origin, and Nigerian friends of Ethiopia.
Delivering the keynote address, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ethiopia to Nigeria, H.E. Legesse Geremew Haile, described the Victory of Adwa as a historic milestone achieved through the collective sacrifice, unity, and determination of the Ethiopian people.
He emphasized that women played a crucial role in securing the historic victory over Italian forces in 1896, noting that their contributions remain a strong symbol of courage and patriotism.
The Ambassador also highlighted Ethiopia’s progress in promoting gender equality, stating that women are increasingly occupying leadership positions in government, parliament, and the cabinet at both federal and regional levels.
Encouraging the younger generation to uphold the “Spirit of Adwa,” Ambassador Legesse urged Ethiopians at home and in the diaspora to contribute actively to the country’s ongoing development efforts.
He outlined several key national initiatives, including modernizing the agricultural sector, where Ethiopia has recently emerged as Africa’s largest wheat producer, expanding industrial capacity through the “Ethiopia Tamirt” (Produce in Ethiopia) initiative, promoting tourism through the Gebeta projects, and advancing digital transformation through artificial intelligence to improve service delivery.
The Ambassador also addressed Ethiopia’s strategic economic goals, calling for unified support for the country’s pursuit of peaceful access to the sea, describing it as a vital national interest for a nation of over 130 million people with a rapidly growing economy.
According to him, Ethiopia remains committed to achieving this objective through peaceful and mutually beneficial diplomatic engagement.
Reaffirming the country’s long-term development vision, Ambassador Legesse said Ethiopia aims to become one of Africa’s five largest economies by 2035 and among the world’s top 20 economies by 2050. He therefore called on the Ethiopian diaspora to actively participate in the nation’s development initiatives and major projects.
The celebration also featured a presentation titled “The Trust of Adwa: Unity, Sovereignty, and Reconstruction,” which highlighted the historic significance of the Battle of Adwa fought on March 1, 1896. The presentation underscored how Ethiopia’s victory over the Italian army became a powerful symbol of African resistance, inspiring Pan-Africanism and anti-colonial movements across the continent and the diaspora.
Participants at the event described Adwa as a shared African victory, stressing that its legacy should continue to inspire present and future generations to work towards rebuilding their nations and strengthening the continent.
The programme was further enriched with patriotic poetry and educational video presentations performed by young children.
The ceremony began with the Ethiopian National Anthem and concluded with a ceremonial cake-cutting and reception attended by guests and members of the Ethiopian community in Nigeria.
Abuja: Fire Guts Section Of Federal Secretariat
Abuja: Fire guts section of federal secretariat. There was panic at the federal secretariat in Abuja on Monday morning after a section of the office of the head of service of the federation caught fire.
Eyewitnesses said the fire was first noticed at about 8:20am. Social media footage showed plumes of black smoke billowing from the affected section of the building.
The incident occurred at Section C of the building within the federal secretariat complex.
Staff members were seen evacuating the area after emergency responders had been alerted.
The media department of the office of the head of service confirmed the incident.
The office said the outbreak was limited to Section C of the building.
Fire Guts Section Of Federal Secretariat
Officials said emergency responders were already working to contain the fire.
“The fire outbreak is limited to Section C of the building and is currently being attended to by emergency officials,” the office said.
The cause of the fire had yet to be disclosed at the time of filing this report.
Abuja (FCT)
federal secretariat in Abuja
head of service office in Abuja.
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