In a resounding vote of confidence for Nigeria’s burgeoning automotive sector, the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, has selected the sleek, homegrown Nord Demir as her official vehicle — a bold endorsement that underscores the Federal Government’s “Nigeria First” policy amid the nation’s 65th Independence Day celebrations.
The announcement, shared by Nord Automobiles’ Executive Chairman, Mr. Oluwatobi Ajayi, highlights a pivotal moment for local manufacturing. During a high-profile visit to the Nord-Unilag Innovation Complex on October 1, 2025, Dr. Oduwole toured the company’s state-of-the-art facilities, including its showroom, R&D centre, assembly and manufacturing plant, and after-sales workshop. The minister’s choice of the Nord Demir — now set to serve as her official car in Abuja — reflects a powerful push to elevate indigenous brands on the global stage.
“This visit is a testament to our shared vision for a self-reliant Nigeria,” Ajayi said in a statement. “We were honoured to host her, and her choice of the Nord Demir makes us proud to represent Nigerian innovation at the highest level.”
Dr. Oduwole’s decision arrives at a critical juncture for Nigeria’s auto industry, long hampered by import dependency. By opting for a locally assembled SUV built with Nigerian roads and sustainable technology in mind, the minister sends a strong signal on the importance of patronizing made-in-Nigeria goods. “The Federal Government is committed to fostering local manufacturing and innovation,” she reaffirmed, echoing President Bola Tinubu’s agenda to create jobs, reduce forex outflows, and position Nigeria as Africa’s automotive hub.
Founded in 2020 by visionary entrepreneur Oluwatobi Ajayi, Nord Automobiles has emerged as a frontrunner in Nigeria’s auto renaissance, blending global standards with African ingenuity. Its Yaba-based facility produces vehicles like the Nord Demir with up to 70% local components — creating jobs, driving innovation, and aligning with the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP).
On a day commemorating 65 years of sovereignty, Dr. Oduwole’s choice is both symbolic and strategic. Analysts already hail the purchase as a “watershed moment” that could accelerate government fleet localization, with ripple effects expected across the private sector. Social media lit up in response, with many Nigerians praising the minister’s move as a masterstroke of patriotism and leadership.
As the Nord Demir takes its place in Abuja’s corridors of power, it represents more than a vehicle — it is a statement of resilience, innovation, and national pride. For Nord Automobiles, the moment is a reminder that Nigerian engineering isn’t just catching up; it’s racing ahead.
The road to self-reliance has never looked this bold — and with leaders like Dr. Oduwole taking the wheel, the journey is just beginning.
