Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has publicly challenged President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate real commitment to the “Nigeria First” policy. He urged the president to trade in his Cadillac Escalade for a made‑in‑Nigeria vehicle from Innoson or Nord . Atiku says symbolic acts will carry more weight than policy speeches.
In April, President Tinubu’s administration launched the “Nigeria First” initiative. It pledges to boost local industries and reduce imports by supporting Nigerian‑made goods through incentives and tariffs . Critics, however, call it hollow, noting that top officials still use foreign luxury items.
Atiku, through his spokesman Phrank Shaibu, described the policy as a PR stunt. He said: “We challenge President Tinubu to stop the noise and trade in his beloved Escalade for an Innoson, Nord, or any made‑in‑Nigeria car” . He added that one act by the president would boost local morale more than “a thousand policy memos.”
Nigeria’s indigenous auto sector is small. In 2023, local firms produced fewer than 10,000 vehicles, while imports topped 400,000 units . Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) leads domestic output, with a capacity of up to 60,000 vehicles per year after recent automation upgrades .
Innoson’s Growth: IVM grew production capacity by 500%, from 10,000 to 60,000 units annually, using robotics and semi‑automation .
Market Share: Despite capacity, market share remains low due to high import numbers and infrastructure gaps.
Expanding vehicle manufacturing can drive jobs and GDP. The manufacturing sector grew 1.38% year‑on‑year in Q4 2023 and contributed 16.04% to nominal GDP . Yet, local auto output lags behind potential, as two‑thirds of vehicles on the roads are imported .
By challenging Tinubu, Atiku shifts the debate from policy to personal action. He accuses the administration of double standards, pointing out ministers’ Rolls‑Royce fleets . The call raises questions about elite compliance and public trust.
Industry Analyst: “Symbolic leadership can spur investor confidence in local manufacturing,” says an auto sector expert .
Economic Commentator: “Without policy follow‑through, speeches ring hollow. Leaders must set examples,” adds a policy analyst .
Reactions and Counterpoints
Government Response: No official reply has come from the presidency as of press time.
Business Groups: Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) praised the policy in principle but urged real support, such as tax breaks and infrastructure .
Critics: Some say Atiku’s challenge is political theatre ahead of 2027 elections.
Atiku also urged Tinubu to vacation in Nigerian resorts Obudu Cattle Ranch, Yankari Game Reserve, Erin Ijesha Waterfalls, to back local tourism . He called for an end to medical tourism, demanding the president use LUTH, National Hospital Abuja, and UCH Ibadan for checks .
On social media, many Nigerians backed Atiku’s call. A Twitter user wrote, “If the president won’t buy our cars, why should we?” Others cautioned that deeper reforms are needed beyond optics.
Atiku Abubakar’s call is a bold test for the Tinubu administration. Trading an Escalade for an Innoson would be a simple act with outsized symbolism. As Nigeria seeks to revive its manufacturing base, leadership by example could make all the difference.