By Sandra Chukwunyere
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s automotive sector on Thursday called for consistent policies and stronger commitment to local manufacturing to unlock the industry’s vast potential.
The stakeholders made the call at the 30th anniversary celebration of Motoring World, Nigeria’s premier automotive media and communications platform.
The event held in Lagos.
Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, Chairman of Council, Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Nigeria, said that there was an urgent need for reforms that would help the sector to grow.
Oyeyemi, a former Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, described Nigeria as one of Africa’s largest automotive markets, with a population exceeding 240 million and a rapidly urbanising society driving increased mobility demand.
He added that the country held significant opportunities across vehicle assembly, component manufacturing, aftermarket services, automotive finance, and electric vehicle infrastructure.
He said that in spite of the potential, Nigeria’s automotive manufacturing industry remained underdeveloped, relying heavily on imported vehicles and components.
“The industry is still embryonic, struggling with weak supply chains, inadequate technical workforce and inconsistent policy direction,” he said.
He added that existing frameworks, including the National Automotive Industry Development Plan, had been revised multiple times without delivering sustained industrial growth.
The chairman said that many investors had exited the sector, while assembly plants faced operational challenges, leaving Nigerian consumers dependent on imported and often second-hand vehicles.
He emphasised the need for a long-term and stable automotive policy focused on local value creation rather than short-term revenue from import duties.
“Nigeria must treat the automotive sector as a strategic industrial priority, similar to what has been achieved in countries such as South Africa, Morocco and Ethiopia,” he said.
He commended Motoring World for 30 years of advocacy, noting that the publication had consistently promoted professional standards and policy reforms in the industry.
The chairman also emphasised the importance of road safety, describing it as the most critical aspect of the transport sector.
He acknowledged progress made in reducing road accidents and strengthening institutional frameworks, but said that the country still recorded preventable fatal accidents.
“Too many lives are still lost to crashes that can be avoided. The progress made remains fragile and must be sustained,” he said.
He said that media advocacy on vehicle safety, road design, driver behaviour, and regulatory accountability played vital roles in saving lives on the roads.
“These are not just journalistic activities; they are public health interventions,” he added.
He emphasised the importance of continued dialogue and awareness to improve safety standards across the country.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, said the ministry was reviewing the automotive policy to accommodate emerging technologies.
Oduwole represented by Mr Samuel Adetoro, Desk Officer for Auto Industry in the ministry, said the review was designed to align the country’s automotive ecosystem with global trends in sustainable mobility and industrial development.
“The automotive industry is a necessary pillar of Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda and has the potential to generate significant employment opportunities, attract investments, deepen local manufacturing, and reduce dependence on imported vehicles.
“While the existing automotive policy provides a framework for the growth of vehicle assembly operations in the country, changing global realities and advancements in technology have made it necessary to update the policy to reflect current and future transportation needs,” she said.
The Director-General, National Automotive Design and Development Council, Mr Joseph Osanipin, called for stronger collaboration between governments, industry stakeholders and the media to accelerate the country’s automotive industrialisation.
Osanipin said this would position Nigeria as a leading automotive manufacturing hub in Africa.
“The future of mobility is being reshaped globally by electric vehicles, alternative fuels, smart manufacturing and green transportation technologies.
“Nigeria must not be left behind in the transition.
“The council is implementing a range of initiatives aimed at transforming Nigeria from a vehicle-consuming nation into a competitive automotive manufacturing and innovation centre on the continent,” he said.
Earlier, Mr Femi Owoeye of the Motoring World Communications Unit described the event as an opportunity for thanksgiving, reflection and renewed commitment.
He thanked stakeholders and the organisation’s partners for support, saying that their contributions sustained it through challenges and strengthened its position within Nigeria’s automotive community.
Owoeye said the industry had vast opportunities in local manufacturing, skills development, technology transfer and electric mobility, urging stronger collaboration, policy support and effective stakeholder engagement.
The anniversary featured unveiling of the Motoring World special 30th anniversary edition and honouring of organisations and individuals that had made outstanding impacts in Nigeria’s automotive sector.
