Nigeria First: Auto industry leaders, others push for bold local content towards economic revival - Newstrends
Connect with us

Auto

Nigeria First: Auto industry leaders, others push for bold local content towards economic revival

Published

on

Nigeria First: Auto industry leaders, others push for bold local content towards economic revival

The call for renewed commitment to local content development took the centre stage at the second edition of the Nigeria Auto Industry Summit (NAISU), held in Lagos on Thursday.

Organised by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) in collaboration with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), the summit brought together key players from government, regulatory bodies, manufacturing, finance, and development sectors.

It was held under the theme ‘Nigeria First: Local Content as Catalyst for Automotive Economy’ with the collective goal of ensuring a sustainable transformation of Nigeria’s automotive industry through localisation.

NAJA Chairman, Mr. Theodore Opara, set the agenda with a rallying cry: “If Nigeria must industrialize, the auto sector must lead. If the auto sector must thrive, local content must be the engine.”

He decried the industry’s heavy dependence on imported vehicles and parts such as tyres, batteries, and brake pads—despite Nigeria’s abundant natural resources and capable workforce.

The real hurdle, he argued, was not technical capacity but a lack of will power, coordination, and policy clarity.

Opara urged all stakeholders—OEMs, regulators, financiers, and consumers—to “Buy Nigeria, Drive Nigeria, Trust Nigeria,” underlining NAJA’s ongoing efforts through initiatives like the NAISU, NAJA Training Workshop, and NAJA Awards.

NADDC Director General, Mr. Joseph Osanipin, reinforced the urgency, calling local content not just an option but a strategic necessity.

He highlighted NADDC’s ongoing initiatives in production incentives, skills development, and R&D support—designed to anchor a resilient, locally driven automotive ecosystem.

“Local content is the engine that will drive economic transformation,” Osanipin said.

Assistant Corps Marshal Ann Oladayo, representing FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, linked automotive policy to public safety.

She emphasized that as Nigeria localizes production, adherence to safety and environmental standards must remain paramount.

“Road safety, automotive standards, and local content are deeply interwoven,” she stated, affirming FRSC’s commitment to shaping policies that foster safe and ethical manufacturing.

In her keynote address, Ms. Victoria Backhaus-Jerling, CEO of the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM), stressed the importance of policy stability. She called for the legalisation of Nigeria’s automotive policy to attract investment, ensure consistency, and shield the market from substandard imports and used vehicle dumping.

“Without a legal framework, Nigeria risks falling behind countries like South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, and Ghana,” she warned. “Africa is the world’s last automotive frontier—and Nigeria is pivotal to its future.”

Backhaus-Jerling reaffirmed AAAM’s commitment to working with governments across Africa to align policies and strengthen cross-border value chains under the AfCFTA framework.

  • Across multiple panels and presentations, consensus emerged on several urgent priorities:
  • Fast-track legislation of the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP)
  • Clear transition from SKD (semi-knocked down) to CKD (completely knocked down) assembly
  • Incentives for local investors and financing solutions for consumers
  • Enforcement of quality standards to curb substandard imports
  • Consumer education to increase acceptance of made-in-Nigeria vehicles and parts

As the summit wrapped up, the tone was one of cautious optimism as stakeholders agreed that success would depend on measurable outcomes, legislative backing, and continuous collaboration.

A communiqué summarising the summit’s resolutions was read, which will be sent to the Presidency, National Assembly, and key MDAs.

“Let’s leave not with just communiqués and handshakes,” said Opara. “Let’s leave with commitments and partnerships to make ‘Nigeria First’ a true national strategy for economic transformation.”

Loading

Auto

Jetour T2 Earns Top Global Safety Rating, Intensifies SUV Battle in Nigeria

Published

on

Jetour T2 Earns Top Global Safety Rating, Intensifies SUV Battle in Nigeria

 

Jetour has thrown down the gauntlet in Nigeria’s increasingly competitive SUV market after its rugged T2 model secured the coveted NCAP 5-Star safety rating — a global benchmark regarded as the highest standard in crash protection and accident avoidance technology.

The achievement is expected to boost the brand’s appeal among Nigerian motorists seeking tough, family-oriented SUVs that combine advanced safety, luxury and off-road capability for the country’s challenging road conditions.

Jetour Nigeria discloses this in a statement, stressing that it is backing the T2 with a growing nationwide dealership and after-sales support network, including trained technicians, genuine spare parts, structured maintenance plans and warranty coverage aimed at boosting long-term ownership confidence.

Positioned as a bold “super SUV,” the Jetour T2 was designed specifically with Nigerian driving conditions in mind, according to the automaker.

In a country where motorists often encounter congested urban roads, long-distance highways and rough rural terrain within the same trip, the T2 is engineered to adapt seamlessly to changing environments.

Safety is seen as one of the vehicle’s strongest selling points. The SUV comes equipped with a comprehensive airbag system, SRS airbags, parking sensors, rear camera and surround-view monitor.

It also features advanced driver-assistance technologies such as Anti-lock Braking System, Emergency Braking Assist and Auto-Brake Assist, which help detect potential collisions and automatically apply braking when necessary.

Beyond safety, the T2 projects a muscular and commanding presence aimed at drivers looking for both ruggedness and refinement.

Jetour says the SUV was built to offer confidence for daily commuting while remaining capable enough for off-road adventures.

Inside, the cabin combines premium comfort with practical space. Measuring 4,785mm in length, 2,006mm in width and 1,880mm in height, the SUV offers generous legroom and headroom for occupants, making it suitable for long-distance travel and family use.

Under the hood, the T2 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine delivering 187kW (254hp) and 390Nm of torque.

Paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the setup provides strong acceleration, smooth overtaking capability and enough power to tackle steep inclines and demanding terrains.

A major highlight of the SUV is its advanced multi-terrain capability. The T2 features a BorgWarner sixth-generation four-wheel-drive system and XWD automatic intelligent drivetrain.

Multiple drive modes — including Sport, Eco, Normal, Mud, Rock and X Smart — allow the vehicle to adjust to varying road conditions ranging from muddy rural tracks to sandy and rocky surfaces.

Technology and convenience also feature prominently in the package. A 15.6-inch LCD touchscreen serves as the hub for infotainment, vehicle diagnostics and off-road information.

Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, intelligent voice commands, cruise control and crawl control are integrated to enhance the driving experience.

Additional features such as remote start, push-button ignition, lane departure warning and blind-spot detection further improve convenience and safety for drivers.

With the T2, Jetour is seeking to position itself as a brand that understands the realities of Nigerian roads and the increasing appetite among motorists for SUVs that combine adventure, luxury and safety without compromise.

Jetour Nigeria specifically lists its accredited dealers spread across the country as Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era AutoVehicle Services Limited, Kojo Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, Tab Autos Limited, R. T. Briscoe Motors and Mandilas Autos.

Loading

Continue Reading

Auto

Forland, TSS Motors strengthen technical capacity with specialised truck training

Published

on

An instructor taking the TSS Motors technical team through a practical session with a Forland light truck

Forland, TSS Motors strengthen technical capacity with specialised truck training

 

Forland Motors, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of light commercial trucks, has strengthened its partnership with local assembler and distributor, Transit Support Services Ltd (TSS), through a specialised three-day technical training programme aimed at boosting the competence of technicians handling the brand’s vehicles in Nigeria.

The programme was organised to equip the TSS technical team, comprising assembly and after-sales technicians, with in-depth knowledge of Forland light trucks, which are assembled and distributed in Nigeria by the company. The training covered assembly, installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance, with the goal of ensuring high service standards in both vehicle assembly and after-sales support.

The training, held at the TSS Motors Training Centre on Ikorodu Road in the Anthony area of Lagos, was facilitated by Forland instructors who arrived from China, alongside TSS technical personnel drawn from Lagos, Enugu, and Abuja.

Also in attendance were technical personnel from Yuchai, the major supplier of engines to Forland trucks. Yuchai is one of China’s largest manufacturers of powertrain solutions.

Forland training at TSS office in Lagos

Providing further insight into the programme, the Head of After-Sales Services at TSS, Mrs. Phebian Iwalokun, said the training focused on general maintenance, engine servicing, and preventive maintenance programmes.

According to her, the initiative was designed to ensure that TSS technicians are fully equipped to manage the growing number of Forland vehicles operating in Nigeria.

She added that continuous skill enhancement had become necessary as TSS prepares for an expansion in production capacity amid increasing demand for Forland trucks across the country.

“Forland trucks are currently gaining ground in Nigeria, with over 1,000 units already in operation, mainly among fast-moving consumer goods companies, logistics firms, and last-mile distribution operators,” Iwalokun stated.

A subsidiary of ABC Transport Plc, Transit Support Services assembles Forland trucks at its plant in Enugu and provides technical and after-sales support to customers nationwide.

Forland has continued to build a strong reputation globally as a successful commercial vehicle and light-truck brand, with its products performing strongly in several international markets.

ABC Transport Group founder, Mr. Frank Nneji (right), presented certificates to the participants

Loading

Continue Reading

Auto

Nigeria Targets Additional 70,000 Annual Vehicle Output, West African Export with Hybrid Motors, Chinese Firm EV Deal

Published

on

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Launch Design, Wang Xun, and Chief Executive Officer, Hybrid Motors Nigeria, Jubril Arogundade, during the signing of a strategic partnership agreement to establish Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturing facilities in Lagos and Abuja, in Shanghai, recently.

Nigeria Targets Additional 70,000 Annual Vehicle Output, West African Export with Hybrid Motors, Chinese Firm EV Deal

 

Launch Design Shanghai and Hybrid Motors Nigeria have signed a strategic partnership agreement to establish electric vehicle manufacturing plants in Lagos and Abuja, a move expected to raise Nigeria’s annual vehicle assembly capacity by 70,000 units and strengthen automobile exports to neighbouring West African countries.

The agreement, signed in Shanghai on May 8, 2026, will drive the production of “Acely,” Hybrid Motors Nigeria’s indigenous vehicle brand designed specifically for Nigerian roads, climate and mobility needs.

The collaboration is being positioned as a major boost to Nigeria’s automotive industrialisation drive, with the two firms aiming to transform the country into a regional hub for vehicle production and export.

Under the partnership, the companies will develop two manufacturing facilities with a combined annual production capacity of 70,000 vehicles at full operation.

The Lagos plant, located along the Lekki-Epe corridor, will serve as the main production and assembly centre with an installed capacity of 50,000 units yearly.

Its proximity to the Lekki Deep Sea Port is expected to support large-scale exports to regional markets including Ghana, Benin Republic, Togo and Côte d’Ivoire.

Industry stakeholders believe the export-oriented facility could significantly expand Nigeria’s automotive footprint across West Africa while reducing dependence on imported vehicles within the region.

The second facility, to be located within the Free Zone Business Area of Centenary Economic City in Abuja, will have an annual production capacity of 20,000 units and focus on supplying Northern Nigeria and neighbouring Sahel markets.

The firms said the dual-plant strategy would improve logistics efficiency, lower production costs and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs across the automotive value chain.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of Hybrid Motors Nigeria, Mr. Jubril Arogundade, described the project as a defining moment for Nigeria’s automotive future.

“This partnership is more than a business agreement; it is a commitment to building Nigeria’s automotive future,” Arogundade said.

“With Acely, we are demonstrating that globally competitive vehicles can be conceived, designed and assembled in Nigeria by Nigerians for both local and international markets.”

He added that the partnership with Launch Design Shanghai would bring advanced automotive engineering and manufacturing expertise into Nigeria, helping the Acely brand meet international standards while retaining local identity.

Chief Executive Officer of Launch Design, Mr. Wang Xun, said the collaboration would contribute to the emergence of a stronger automotive manufacturing ecosystem in Africa.

“Our turnkey engineering capabilities combined with Hybrid Motors Nigeria’s understanding of the local market create a strong foundation for success,” Wang said.

“Together, we are not only building vehicles but helping to establish a sustainable automotive industry for the region.”

The companies said Acely vehicles would focus on local assembly, energy efficiency and advanced electric and hybrid technologies suited to African operating conditions.

Analysts said the project could stimulate local component manufacturing, encourage technology transfer and deepen technical skills development within Nigeria’s automotive sector.

The initiative is also expected to conserve foreign exchange by reducing vehicle imports while positioning Nigeria as a competitive exporter of made-in-Nigeria vehicles within the ECOWAS sub-region.

Both firms noted that the investment aligns with the Federal Government’s National Automotive Industry Development Plan aimed at increasing local vehicle production, attracting investments and accelerating industrial growth.

“With facilities in Lagos and Abuja serving distinct but complementary markets across Nigeria and the wider region, we are laying the foundation for a new era of mobility that is locally rooted, globally competitive and sustainably driven,” Arogundade added.

Loading

Continue Reading

Trending