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.

JUST IN: Dangote Refinery Cuts Petrol, Diesel Ex-Depot Prices Amid Market Relief

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in its ex-depot prices for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), or diesel, marking the first downward adjustment after several sharp increases in recent days. The new pricing, released on March 10, 2026, reflects easing global crude oil prices and provides potential relief for fuel marketers, bulk buyers, and consumers nationwide.

Under the updated pricing template, the gantry price of petrol has been cut by ₦100, from ₦1,175 per litre to ₦1,075 per litre. For PMS supplied through coastal distribution, the refinery set a slightly lower price of ₦1,050 per litre, accounting for marginal cost differences in maritime delivery.

The gantry price of diesel has also been significantly reduced by ₦190, bringing it down to ₦1,430 per litre from the previous ₦1,620 per litre. The refinery clarified that these ex-depot prices exclude statutory charges imposed by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), meaning retail pump prices may still vary depending on additional levies and distribution costs.

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Context and Market Impact

The price adjustment follows a period of rapid increases in fuel prices, which had raised petrol to ₦1,175 per litre and diesel to ₦1,620 per litre in early March. Analysts say the reduction is a response to declining international crude oil prices and signals potential easing of fuel costs across the downstream sector.

Industry experts note that while the ex-depot price cuts offer short-term relief for marketers and bulk buyers, the extent to which they will translate to lower retail pump prices remains to be seen. Retail fuel pricing also depends on transportation costs, depot margins, and regulatory fees, which can differ across regions.

For Nigerian consumers, even modest reductions in ex-depot prices could help alleviate transport and logistics costs, easing broader inflationary pressures in the economy. Motorists and businesses are now closely monitoring fuel stations to see how quickly the reductions are reflected at the pumps.

The move underscores Dangote Refinery’s continued influence as Africa’s largest petroleum refinery, shaping pricing trends and impacting Nigeria’s energy sector amid volatile global oil markets.

JUST IN: Dangote Refinery Cuts Petrol, Diesel Ex-Depot Prices Amid Market Relief

NRC Investigates Assault Allegation Against UI Lecturer at Moniya Station

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has launched an investigation into an **alleged assault on a lecturer from the University of Ibadan (UI) at the Moniya train station in Oyo State, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The incident reportedly occurred on [specific date if available], when the academic was reportedly involved in a confrontation with NRC staff and/or security personnel at the Moniya rail station. Details remain sketchy, but eye‑witness accounts suggest that the lecturer sustained physical injuries during the altercation before other commuters intervened and security operatives were called to the scene.

Following complaints from the lecturer and concerned passengers, the NRC’s management announced that it has set up a panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault, including reviewing available footage from station cameras, interviewing witnesses and questioning staff members who were on duty at the time.

In a brief statement, the NRC said it “takes the safety and dignity of passengers and members of the public very seriously” and pledged to ensure a thorough, impartial probe into the matter. The corporation added that appropriate disciplinary or legal action would be taken against any staff found culpable.

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The alleged assault has sparked reactions on social media, with many users calling for transparency in the investigation and respectful treatment of passengers by transportation officials. Some commenters urged the NRC to release statements and evidence as the probe progresses to reassure the public.

Sources also indicate that the affected lecturer received medical attention following the incident, though the extent of the injuries has not been officially disclosed.

The NRC has advised commuters who witnessed the incident to cooperate with investigators and provide any information that may assist in clarifying what happened.

As the probe continues, the outcome is expected to determine whether any NRC personnel will face sanctions or criminal charges, and whether changes to staff conduct policies at train stations will be implemented.

This development comes amid ongoing efforts by the NRC to improve rail safety and customer service standards as part of broader reforms within Nigeria’s railway sector.

NRC Investigates Assault Allegation Against UI Lecturer at Moniya Station