The Senate has passed a bill mandating all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prioritize the purchase of vehicles and products from local automobile manufacturers and indigenous companies. The legislation scaled through second reading during Thursday’s plenary session, following its presentation by Senator Patrick Ndubueze.
Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, threw his weight behind the bill, emphasizing that the time had come for the country to walk the talk on economic patriotism. He noted that Nigerians have long demanded stronger governmental backing for homegrown products, especially in the automobile industry.
“This is not just about patriotism; it’s smart economics,” Barau stated. “By supporting local businesses, we’re not only creating jobs but also reducing capital flight and boosting our national economy. It’s a win-win.”
The proposed legislation is seen as a strategic push to revive Nigeria’s struggling manufacturing sector, reduce dependency on foreign imports, and stimulate job creation. With Nigeria battling economic challenges, lawmakers believe that prioritizing Nigerian-made cars and equipment will serve as a catalyst for industrial growth and technological advancement.
In a related development, the Senate also urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately sign into law the Nigerian Forest Security Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025. The bill, already passed by the National Assembly, is aimed at tackling rising insecurity, especially in forested and rural areas.
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This call to action followed the submission of two motions by Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, and Senator Sunday Karimi, condemning the abduction of His Royal Highness, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, the Obalohun of Okoloke in Kogi State. The monarch was kidnapped on the night of Thursday, May 15, by gunmen who stormed his residence with heavy gunfire before whisking him away to an unknown location.
The lawmakers also decried recent violent attacks in Benue State by suspected herdsmen, including deadly raids on Akpete and Ojantele communities in Apa Local Government Area on May 1 and May 7, which claimed the lives of more than a dozen residents.
In response, the Senate called on all federal security agencies to mobilize immediately for the safe rescue of the abducted monarch. It also encouraged the integration of the Forest Security Service Bill into the broader Forest Guard initiative proposed by President Tinubu to combat the worsening security crisis.
With the passage of the local automobile patronage bill and the growing pressure to strengthen security frameworks, the Senate has sent a clear message: Nigeria must prioritize local innovation, protect its citizens, and take bold steps toward self-reliance.