Stakeholders in the automotive industry have stated that Nigeria’s expanding auto market is attracting fresh investment interest from both local and international companies. They made this known on Tuesday in Lagos during the opening of the 2026 West Africa Automotive Show, a three-day exhibition featuring more than 350 exhibitors, with over 6,000 visitors anticipated from across West Africa.
Exhibition Highlights and Exhibitor Participation
The exhibitors are displaying a wide range of products and services, including auto parts, lubricants, tyres, spare parts distribution, heavy machinery, tricycles, batteries, and mobility solutions. The event serves as a significant platform for business networking and market expansion.
Peter May, the Exhibition Manager of the West Africa Automotive Show, remarked that the exhibition has consistently grown due to the support from exhibitors and partners. He stated, “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 emphasized that the show has become a major hub for importers, distributors, and manufacturers seeking business opportunities in Nigeria and other West African countries. He added, “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.”
Industry Perspectives on Market Potential
Bankole Ilori of C Woermann Nigeria Limited described Nigeria and West Africa as prime destinations for automotive products. He noted, “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.”
Ilori mentioned that his company has participated in the exhibition for about seven to eight years because of its positive 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.
Subash, a representative of Malaysia-based WR Carpenters Bashkaran, revealed that the company is expanding into the Nigerian automotive sector through lubricants, heavy machinery spare parts, and tricycles. He stated, “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.” Subash also indicated that the company is considering setting up a blending and repackaging factory in Nigeria to reduce costs and deepen investment in the country.
Affordability and Local Production Focus
Eric Fantoji, the General Manager of Winpart by CFAO, said the company is using the exhibition to demonstrate that quality automotive products can be affordable. He explained, “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.” Fantoji added that the company is also exploring local production of lubricants and batteries to enhance competitiveness in the Nigerian market.
Another exhibitor, Ali Kouri, noted that the Lagos exhibition provides companies with direct access to customers and helps them understand market needs. He said, “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.”
The exhibition is scheduled to conclude on May 14, with stakeholders expected to discuss opportunities in local manufacturing, auto spare parts distribution, lubricants, tyres, and mobility solutions across West Africa.
