Nigeria at 65: Oduwole backs Nord Automobiles, reaffirms commitment to ‘Nigeria First’ policy

As Nigeria marked its 65th Independence anniversary, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, has thrown her weight behind Nord Automobiles, describing the brand as a shining example of Nigerian innovation and industrial potential.

Dr. Oduwole gave the endorsement on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, during her visit to the Nord automobile assembly plant located within the University of Lagos (UNILAG) campus, where she picked up her newly acquired Nord Demir SUV.

She was warmly received by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Research), Prof. Bola Oboh, who represented the Vice Chancellor, and the Chairman of Nord Automobiles, Mr. Oluwatobi Ajayi.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister stressed the importance of supporting indigenous brands under the framework of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), noting that Nord’s capacity and quality placed it in a strong position to compete regionally and globally.

“With the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement, you should be able to scale your industrialization and production. You have two assembly plants here in UNILAG and in Epe, with enough capacity to meet rising demand,” she said.

Commending Nord’s corporate clientele, which includes four of the top ten companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Oduwole reiterated the government’s resolve to prioritize Nigerian-made products.

“As a Ministry, we are committed to supporting your sector. Mr. President has made it clear that the ‘Nigeria First’ policy is a national priority, and this Nord Demir SUV is a proudly Made-in-Nigeria product I am delighted to own,” she added.

Prof. Oboh, speaking on behalf of UNILAG, hailed Dr. Oduwole as a distinguished alumna of the institution’s Faculty of Law and praised the federal government’s renewed commitment to patronizing local goods.

“UNILAG is proud that this assembly plant, located on our campus, is not only producing conventional vehicles but also electric vehicles that align with our identity as a Green campus. Our students regularly intern here, and Nord’s upcoming launch of green vehicles further strengthens this partnership,” she noted.

For his part, Nord Chairman, Mr. Oluwatobi Ajayi, expressed gratitude to the Minister for her patronage and consistent support for local manufacturers.

“It is a privilege to have you as one of the proud owners of Nord vehicles. As the Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment driving a Nord SUV, your endorsement is a powerful testament to the quality of our brand,” he said.

Ajayi also lauded UNILAG for its collaboration, describing the university’s support as “one of the most important partnerships” in the company’s growth journey.

Nord Automobiles, an indigenous manufacturer, assembles a variety of vehicles including sedans, pickups, SUVs, buses, tricycles, and electric vehicles, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s drive toward industrialization and sustainable mobility.