NADDC, Kebbi Govt Flag off Argungu Motor Rally 2006
The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), in collaboration with the Kebbi State Government, has flagged off the Argungu Motor Rally 2026, as part of activities marking the 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival.
The rally was officially launched on Wednesday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, expanding the festival beyond culture and tourism to include automotive innovation and industrial development.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, NADDC Director-General, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, described the rally as a strategic initiative that brings together culture, technology, innovation and industrial growth, while showcasing Nigeria’s expanding automotive capacity.
Osanipin commended indigenous vehicle assemblers, Lanre Shittu Motors, CIG Motors, KOJO Motors and Mikano Motors, for supplying the vehicles used in the rally, noting that their participation reflects the growing strength and readiness of Nigeria’s local automotive industry.
He said all vehicles participating in the rally were locally assembled, in line with the Federal Government’s Nigeria First Policy, which prioritises the patronage of Made-in-Nigeria goods to boost domestic production and reduce import dependence.
According to him, the rally route will test the durability and performance of locally assembled vehicles across varying terrains, beginning from Abuja to Kaduna and Kano, moving through Zamfara to Sokoto, onward to Birnin Kebbi, and terminating in Argungu.
“The route is deliberately designed to demonstrate the maturity, resilience and road-worthiness of vehicles assembled in Nigeria under different environmental and road conditions,” Osanipin said.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) to working with ministries, departments and agencies that support local manufacturing and industrialisation.
The event attracted key government officials and industry stakeholders, including the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, representatives of major automotive firms, and corporate partners.
The Argungu Motor Rally 2026 is expected to boost public confidence in locally assembled vehicles while strengthening the link between transport development, tourism and Nigeria’s broader economic growth agenda.
