National Trucks Manufacturers (NTM) was originally established in 1975 by The Federal Government of Nigeria through a joint venture agreement with FIAT IVECO of ITALY for the progressive assembly and manufacturing of Trucks and Tractors.
Unlike the well-known motor assembly plant Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, which is located at Nnewi, Anambra state, NTM seems to be functioning on a low-key level. The company is said to have started in 1975 but was unproductive until 2003 when President Olusegun Obasanjo‘s administration privatised it.
National Trucks Manufacturers Ltd began full operation of the assembly of trucks & agricultural tractors in 1980. The company, unfortunately, shut down operations in 1987 due to unfavourable economic conditions.
The company was privatized in 2003 and 75% of the shares pertaining to the Federal Government, were sold to Mr. Ibrahim, who is also from Kano state. The company is back and producing again. The company imports most of their products as CKD with a reduced duty fee. A large proportion of the staff are ingenious. National Trucks Manufacturers assembles Heavy-duty trucks, Light-duty trucks, Agricultural tractors, Pick-ups, Tippers, and Motorcycles.
However, Former President Jonathan practically reviewed it up to 35 per cent with an additional 35 per cent surcharge to effectively make it 70 per cent, thus, making Nigeria’s ports non-competitive compared to Western and Central Africa beyond.
So, if one intends to start up an assembly motor plant company, there is not much competition locally because there are only a few local ones available in the country. And moving from assembly to 100% local manufacture is another way to encourage production and boost the country’s economy.
According to our sources, which made contact with the company and inquired about the general welfare of the company, the NTM is still fully functional. The company’s spokesperson also added that soon they will fix their company’s website which seems not to be functional at the moment.
