Lagos gears up for major auto show, over 100 global firms storm fair

Preparations have reached top gear for the 20th Lagos Motor Fair and the 13th Africa AutoParts Expo, with more than 100 international companies and a growing number of Nigerian firms confirming participation in the three-day automotive exhibition.

The event, scheduled for March 17 to 19, 2026, at the Federal Palace Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, is expected to draw major players from across the global automotive value chain.

Organisers say the exhibition will feature a broad display of automobiles, spare parts, accessories, lubricants, additives, financial services, insurance products and emerging security technologies designed for the mobility sector.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos, Chairman of the Organising Committee and Managing Director of BKG Exhibitions Limited, Ifeanyi Agwu, said the fair has grown into a prominent international marketplace where manufacturers, distributors and service providers explore new partnerships and business opportunities.

According to him, the 2026 edition has attracted strong global interest, with companies from Turkey, China, India, Germany and the United Arab Emirates already registered to exhibit their products and services.

Agwu disclosed that several Nigerian companies have recently joined the list of participants, adding that the exhibition continues to serve as a major meeting point for both established brands and emerging players in the automotive ecosystem.

READ ALSO:

• U.S. KC‑135 Stratotanker Crashes in Iraq, Four Crew Dead 
• U.S. Military Hits Nearly 6,000 Targets in Iran Since Conflict Began
• MURIC Celebrates Abdul-Hameed Over Successful Tenure as Pioneer Rector of Federal Polytechnic Ayede

He noted that this year’s fair will host businesses across multiple segments of the industry, including passenger vehicles, buses, trucks, spare parts manufacturing, lubricants, accessories, automotive technologies as well as financial and insurance services linked to mobility.

“Virtually all the major brands in automobiles, spare parts, lubricants, financial services and insurance, as well as regulatory and policy-making agencies, are expected at this year’s fair. The response from industry stakeholders has been very encouraging,” Agwu said.

The organisers also expect a strong showing from members of the Motorcycle Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) and the Automotive Local Content Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (ALCMAN), following new strategic collaborations aimed at deepening local industry participation.

Agwu explained that the fair remains an important platform for promoting Nigeria’s automotive industry and attracting investment into the sector.

Despite the economic pressures affecting the industry and the broader economy, he said the organisers remain committed to sustaining the event as a platform for policy dialogue, investment promotion and collaboration among key stakeholders.

“For more than a decade, the Lagos Motor Fair has provided a unique opportunity to assess the capacity and future potential of Nigeria’s automotive sector while bringing together policymakers, investors and industry players to exchange ideas,” he added.

To broaden participation, the organisers said efforts have been intensified to attract institutional buyers, trade professionals, industry associations and individual consumers.

As part of plans to strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional automotive hub, invitations have also been extended to trade groups and professional associations across West and Central Africa through the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).

Agwu said the long-term vision is to position Nigeria’s auto parts market as a production, distribution and trading hub for West, Central and East Africa, with the capacity to serve the wider African market.

With support from international partners in Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, China and India, more than 100 original equipment manufacturers and dealers in auto parts and accessories are expected to take part in the exhibition.

The organisers said particular attention is being given to the spare parts segment of the industry due to its potential to stimulate small-scale manufacturing and create significant economic multiplier effects.

“Our focus on the spare parts sector is deliberate. It is aimed at encouraging the growth of local manufacturing and strengthening value chains within the automotive ecosystem,” Agwu explained.

He added that the presence of global manufacturers in Lagos would enable Nigerian and regional dealers to establish direct supply relationships with original producers.

Beyond the business exhibitions and networking sessions, visitors are also expected to enjoy product demonstrations, promotional giveaways, lucky dips and other interactive activities planned by participating companies.

The organisers said the three-day fair has been designed to appeal to both industry professionals and the general public, combining business engagement with entertainment.

“Visitors and exhibitors should expect an exciting and memorable experience. This year’s edition promises to set a new benchmark for automotive exhibitions in sub-Saharan Africa,” the organisers said.

Lagos gears up for major auto show, over 100 global firms storm fair

French automakers return to Nigeria, team up with Dangote, Coscharis for 44,000-vehicle production

French automobile manufacturers are mounting a fresh comeback in Nigeria’s automotive sector through strategic alliances with major local players, targeting the production and sale of about 44,000 vehicles annually as part of efforts to revive local assembly.

The renewed push involves two major partnerships: Peugeot’s collaboration with Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria (DPAN) and Renault’s alliance with Coscharis Group to produce vehicles for the Nigerian market.

The development was disclosed by Marc Fonbaustier, the French Ambassador to Nigeria, who said French carmakers are gradually rebuilding their presence in one of Africa’s largest automobile markets.

According to him, the partnership between Peugeot and Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria has already restarted operations with the Peugeot 301, while plans are underway to assemble additional models including the 308, 3008, 5008 and 508.

The ambassador noted that the relaunch is part of a broader strategy to scale up production capacity and increase local vehicle supply.

“The target of 44,000 vehicles annually is ambitious but achievable,” he said.

In a parallel move, Renault is partnering Coscharis Group to co-produce vehicles under the Logan brand for the Nigerian market.

French carmakers were once dominant in Nigeria’s automobile industry, largely through the activities of Peugeot Automobile Nigeria, which operated a major assembly plant in Kaduna.

Established in the 1970s, the plant assembled several Peugeot models locally and became a cornerstone of Nigeria’s auto industry. Vehicles such as the Peugeot 504 were widely used by government institutions, businesses and private motorists for decades.

However, economic downturns, policy changes and a surge in cheaper imported vehicles gradually weakened local assembly operations, causing production levels and market share for French brands to decline sharply.

The situation later prompted the Dangote Group to acquire a controlling stake in the company, leading to the creation of Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria, which has since modernised its assembly facilities and expanded production capacity.

Despite the revival efforts, the competitive landscape has changed significantly. Automakers from China and India have strengthened their foothold in Nigeria with more affordable models and growing local assembly operations.

Still, French investors remain optimistic about Nigeria’s long-term market potential. Fonbaustier said about 100 French companies currently operate in Nigeria, employing roughly 16,000 Nigerians.

He added that although rebuilding France’s automotive presence in Nigeria will take time, the new partnerships with Dangote and Coscharis mark an important step toward restoring local vehicle manufacturing in the country.

Jetour shakes Compact SUV segment with loaded X50

Jetour Nigeria says its aim at introducing the current X50 model is to disrupt the compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment in the nation’s automobile market. And that it s currently doing.

The Jetour X50 stands out as a feature-rich compact SUV, designed to deliver a high level of safety, technology and comfort for everyday driving.

Built with a strong focus on occupant protection, the vehicle is equipped with multiple airbags for the driver and passengers, ensuring all-round safety while on the road.

Supporting these passive safety features are advanced electronic systems that enhance stability and control. Vehicle Stability Control helps the SUV remain balanced in challenging conditions, while the Electronic Parking Brake and Auto Hold system improve ease of use in traffic and during parking.

Driver confidence is further boosted by the availability of a 360-degree surrounding camera and parking sensors, which provide improved visibility in tight spaces.

To address common on-road safety concerns, the X50 incorporates a range of intelligent driver-assistance features. Blind Spot Detection reduces the risk of unseen vehicles, while Lane Change Assist and Rear Traffic Alert offer added protection during lane changes and reversing.

Additional security features such as automatic door locking, an alarm system and power windows contribute to peace of mind.

Inside the cabin, comfort and convenience take centre stage. Smart entry with a push-start button simplifies vehicle access, while selectable drive modes—Eco, Normal and Sport—allow drivers to adapt performance to different driving conditions.

Cruise control adds extra comfort on longer journeys.The infotainment system features a 10.5-inch display with Bluetooth connectivity, voice command, phone mirroring, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless connectivity on the move.

A wireless charger keeps devices powered without cables. Premium interior appointments include leather seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, automatic air conditioning with rear vents, an electric sunroof option and a six-speaker audio system.

Power comes from a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a dual-clutch transmission, offering a balance of responsive performance and fuel efficiency.

With its aerodynamic design and practical five-seat layout, the Jetour X50 combines modern features with everyday usability, backed by reliable after-sales support and technical assistance.

Its accredited dealers spread across Nigeria are Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era AutoVehicle Services Limited, Kojo Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, Tab Autos Limited, R. T. Briscoe Motors and Mandilas Autos.