Nigeria's ambitious drive to build a competitive and sustainable automotive industry gained significant traction this week as the 25th Abuja International Motor Fair kicked off at Eagle Square. The event, which started on Monday, brought together top government officials, industry leaders, and global mobility brands to showcase the country's evolving automotive landscape.
Government Backs Green Mobility Transition
During the opening ceremony, a representative speaking on behalf of Vice President Kashim Shettima reaffirmed the administration's strong commitment to industrial reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria's automotive sector. The official emphasized the government's Gas, Green, and Growth agenda, highlighting a strategic pivot toward cleaner and more efficient transportation solutions, particularly electric vehicles (EVs) and compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles.
A major highlight of these reforms is the newly launched ₦20 billion CreditCorp fund, designed to make locally assembled vehicles more accessible to Nigerian consumers. This initiative is expected to boost demand, expand assembly operations, create employment opportunities, and fortify the entire automotive value chain.
NADDC Reports Significant Industry Progress
In his opening address, the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, outlined remarkable achievements under the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP). He revealed that over 30 automotive assembly plants are now operational across Nigeria, producing various vehicles including passenger cars, buses, and trucks from indigenous brands such as Innoson, Jet Motors, and Nord.
Osanipin further detailed that the NADDC has trained more than 30,000 auto technicians nationwide and established material and component testing centres in Zaria and Enugu to ensure locally manufactured components meet international quality standards. He also confirmed that solar-powered EV charging stations have been completed and a comprehensive EV Policy is in its final stages to incentivize both producers and users of new-energy vehicles.
Exhibitors Showcase Sustainable Mobility Solutions
The motor fair featured an impressive display of electric and CNG vehicles that captured attendees' attention, including:
- Electric sedans and SUVs
- CNG-powered trucks
- Electric tricycles and motorcycles
This showcase demonstrated Nigeria's growing capabilities in vehicle design, assembly, and sustainable mobility solutions. Representing the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Minister of State Senator John Owenoh Owan stressed the importance of policy consistency and investor confidence, noting that Nigeria must leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to position its automotive products for continental markets.
The four-day event, organized by BKG Exhibitions, is expected to attract thousands of visitors and generate significant partnerships, investments, and innovations that will further cement Nigeria's position as West Africa's automotive hub.
