NADDC, NTDA Forge Partnership to Drive Tourism Through Locally Assembled Vehicles

The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) have commenced discussions on a strategic partnership aimed at transforming tourism mobility in Nigeria through the deployment of locally assembled vehicles.

The proposed collaboration is expected to deepen local content development, strengthen the tourism value chain and create new opportunities for economic growth by linking two critical sectors of the Nigerian economy.

The initiative was discussed during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of the NTDA, Dr. Olayiwola Awakan, to the headquarters of the NADDC in Abuja on June 9, 2026.

Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Awakan emphasised the vital role transportation plays in the development of tourism and the overall visitor experience.

He explained that as Nigeria’s apex tourism regulatory agency, the NTDA remains committed to promoting the country’s cultural heritage, tourism destinations and hospitality sector to both local and international audiences.

According to him, the authority is developing a new transportation initiative known as the “Tour Ride” Programme, which is designed to provide dedicated transportation services for tourists arriving in Nigeria.

The programme, he said, will utilise locally assembled vehicles and buses to ensure visitors enjoy seamless and secure movement from airports to various tourist destinations across the country.

Dr. Awakan disclosed that the authority is also working with key stakeholders, including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and security agencies, to establish Tourism Information Desks at airports and strengthen tourist safety and mobility nationwide.

He noted that improved transportation infrastructure and coordinated visitor support systems would significantly enhance Nigeria’s attractiveness as a tourism destination.

Responding, the Director-General of NADDC, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, welcomed the proposal and described it as a practical avenue for collaboration between the automotive and tourism sectors.

Osanipin reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to supporting the initiative through engagement with vehicle manufacturers, assemblers and fleet operators within Nigeria’s automotive industry.

He said the partnership presents a unique opportunity to showcase the quality and capabilities of vehicles assembled in Nigeria while simultaneously promoting domestic tourism.

According to him, automotive-related events, including motor rallies and exhibitions already supported by the Council, could also serve as platforms for promoting tourism destinations and attracting visitors from within and outside the country.

The NADDC boss further noted that the NTDA’s expertise in destination marketing could help elevate automotive tourism events to national and international prominence.

Both agencies agreed to establish a joint working committee tasked with identifying specific areas of collaboration and developing a framework for implementation.

Stakeholders believe the partnership could become a significant catalyst for tourism growth while creating additional demand for locally assembled vehicles, supporting industrialisation and generating employment opportunities.

If successfully implemented, the initiative is expected to strengthen tourism mobility, encourage greater patronage of Nigerian-made vehicles, stimulate domestic travel and contribute to broader economic diversification efforts being pursued by the Federal Government.