Stakeholders seek growth in Nigeria’s automotive sector

Stakeholders in the automotive industry have said Nigeria’s growing auto market is attracting fresh investment interest from local and foreign firms.

They spoke on Tuesday in Lagos at the opening of the 2026 West Africa Automotive Show, a three-day exhibition that brought together more than 350 exhibitors, with over 6,000 visitors expected from across West Africa.

The exhibitors are showcasing products and services in auto parts, lubricants, tyres, spare parts distribution, heavy machinery, tricycles, batteries and mobility solutions.

Speaking at the event, the Exhibition Manager of the West Africa Automotive Show, Peter May, said the exhibition had continued to grow because of support from exhibitors and partners.

According to him, “Each year, it’s about growing the show as much as possible. The trust comes from the exhibitors and the partnerships we have built over time. This year we have over 350 exhibitors and we expect more than 6,000 visitors during the three days.

”May said the show had become a major platform for importers, distributors and manufacturers looking for business opportunities in Nigeria and other West African countries.

“We work really hard to make every edition bigger and better. Nigeria and West Africa remain import-heavy markets and the exhibitors from Europe, UAE, China and other regions are bringing quality products that improve safety standards and support businesses in the sector,” he said.

Also speaking, Bankole Ilori of C Woermann Nigeria Limited described Nigeria and West Africa as major destinations for automotive products.

“The automotive industry in Nigeria and West Africa is a very huge market and everybody around the globe knows that Nigeria and West Africa command the highest automotive products and automotive business in Africa,” he said.

Ilori said his company had participated in the exhibition for about seven to eight years because of its impact on product marketing and business growth.

“We have received a lot of feedback and we have been able to market most of our products through this exhibition. It has always had a positive impact for us,” he added.

A representative of Malaysia-based WR Carpenters Bashkaran, Subash, said the company was expanding into the Nigerian automotive sector through lubricants, heavy machinery spare parts and tricycles.

“Nigeria is one of the biggest markets in West Africa. We already have four warehouses in Nigeria and we are now expanding into the automotive segment,” he stated.

Subash said the company was considering setting up a blending and repackaging factory in Nigeria to reduce costs and deepen investment in the country.

The General Manager of Winpart by CFAO, Eric Fantoji, said the company was using the exhibition to show that quality automotive products could be affordable.

“We are here to show the Nigerian market that quality doesn’t necessarily mean high price. We are cheaper than OEM and still maintain better quality than many low-grade products in the market,” he said.

Fantoji said the company was also considering local production of lubricants and batteries to improve competitiveness in the Nigerian market.

Another exhibitor, Ali Kouri, said the Lagos exhibition gave companies direct access to customers and helped them understand market needs.

“To sell in this market, you need the correct price point with good quality. That is why we are here, to understand the market better and offer the best products at the right price,” he said.

The exhibition will end on May 14, with stakeholders expected to discuss opportunities in local manufacturing, auto spare parts distribution, lubricants, tyres and mobility solutions across West Africa.

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Source: The Guardian, May 2026