Federal Government Flags Off Motor Rally to Promote Nigeria-Assembled Cars at 61st Argungu Festival

Promoting Local Automotive Industry

The Nigerian Federal Government has officially flagged off a cross-country motor rally to promote locally assembled vehicles, coinciding with the 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival. The event, which commenced on February 11th or 12th, 2026, from the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, aims to showcase the capacity, resilience, and quality of Nigeria's burgeoning automotive industry.

This initiative is a key component of the Federal Government's 'Nigeria First' policy, which encourages citizens and institutions to prioritize and patronize made-in-Nigeria goods. Over 30 vehicles, all assembled within Nigeria, are participating in the rally, demonstrating their durability and technological advancement across diverse terrains.

Rally Route and Key Stakeholders

The motor rally's extensive route will traverse several states, starting from Abuja, passing through Kaduna to Kano, then from Kano through Zamfara to Sokoto, and finally onward to Birnin Kebbi before culminating in Argungu, Kebbi State. This journey is designed to practically demonstrate the ruggedness and technological prowess of locally produced automobiles.

Dignitaries present at the flag-off ceremony included Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment (represented by the Director-General of NADDC), and Senator Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning. Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), emphasized the rally's importance in promoting Nigeria's automotive sector and aligning with government efforts to boost the economy. Indigenous vehicle assemblers such as Lanre Shittu Motors, CIG Motors, KOJO Motors, and Mikano Motors provided the vehicles for the rally.

Economic and Cultural Significance

The motor rally, integrated into the globally recognized Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival, serves multiple objectives beyond automotive promotion. It is seen as a symbol of Nigeria's resilience and growing economic confidence, fostering unity and cultural harmony across the country. The festival itself, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, provides a significant platform for tourism promotion and cultural exchange.

The 61st edition of the festival was originally rescheduled from February 2025 to 2026 to allow for necessary infrastructural improvements and renovations at the festival venues. President Bola Tinubu is expected to attend the grand finale of this year's festival in Argungu. The event is anticipated to stimulate the economy, create employment opportunities, and generate income through various commercial activities along the rally route.