Auto
Nigeria Must Build, Not Just Import Vehicles, Oyeyemi Tells FG as Auto Policy Review Begins
Nigeria Must Build, Not Just Import Vehicles, Oyeyemi Tells FG as Auto Policy Review Begins
The Federal Government has commenced a fresh review of Nigeria’s automotive policy to accommodate emerging technologies such as electric vehicles (EVs), compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered vehicles and other alternative energy solutions, even as stakeholders have called for a more consistent policy framework that prioritises local manufacturing and value creation.
The development was disclosed at the 30th anniversary celebration of Motoring World International in Lagos, where industry leaders highlighted the urgent need to reposition Nigeria’s automotive sector for sustainable growth and global competitiveness.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, represented by the ministry’s Desk Officer for the Auto Industry, Samuel Adetoro, said the ongoing policy review is aimed at aligning Nigeria’s automotive ecosystem with global trends in sustainable mobility and industrial development.
According to the minister, the automotive industry remains a critical pillar of Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda with the capacity to generate employment, attract investments, deepen local manufacturing and reduce dependence on imported vehicles.
She explained that while the existing automotive policy had provided a framework for vehicle assembly operations, rapid technological advancements and changing global realities made it necessary to update the policy to address current and future transportation needs.
“The Ministry is working closely with stakeholders on the review of the National Automotive Industry Development Framework to ensure that it responds effectively to emerging realities, including electric mobility, CNG vehicles, automotive software development, smart manufacturing and green transportation technologies,” she said.
Oduwole added that the government is seeking to create an enabling environment that will encourage local production and assembly of alternative-fuel vehicles, while strengthening local content development, technology transfer, research and development, and the competitiveness of Nigerian automotive manufacturers.
She stressed that collaboration between government and the private sector would be crucial to building an automotive ecosystem capable of serving both domestic and regional markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The review comes amid the prolonged delay in the passage of the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) Bill, which is intended to provide a legislative and regulatory framework for investors in the sector.
The bill, passed by the Eighth National Assembly, was denied presidential assent and has remained in limbo for more than a decade.
Speaking at the event, former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, urged the Federal Government to adopt a long-term and consistent automotive industry policy focused on domestic manufacturing rather than revenue generation through vehicle import duties.
Oyeyemi, who chaired the occasion and is also President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), said Nigeria possesses one of Africa’s largest automotive markets, supported by a population of over 240 million people, an estimated vehicle fleet of 21 million and more than 204,000 kilometres of road network.
However, he lamented that policy inconsistencies and weak support for local manufacturers had prevented the country from fully harnessing its vast potential.
He noted that repeated reviews of the National Automotive Industry Development Plan and related regulatory frameworks had failed to generate sustained industrial momentum, forcing investors to enter and exit the sector while several assembly plants struggled to survive.
According to him, Nigeria remains heavily dependent on imported used vehicles despite its enormous capacity for vehicle assembly, component manufacturing, automotive financing and electric vehicle infrastructure development.

Also speaking, Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Joseph Osanipin, represented by the council’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Susan Bisong-Taiwo, called for stronger collaboration among government, industry stakeholders and the media to accelerate automotive industrialisation.
He said the council is implementing initiatives in electric vehicle development, CNG conversion, local content promotion, component manufacturing, skills acquisition and strategic partnerships aimed at transforming Nigeria from a vehicle-consuming nation into a leading automotive manufacturing hub in Africa.
Osanipin said the automotive industry is at a critical turning point globally, with innovations in electric mobility, alternative fuels, smart manufacturing and digital technologies redefining the future of transportation. He stressed that Nigeria must move swiftly to position itself as a key player in the evolving automotive landscape rather than remain a passive consumer of imported technologies.
According to him, the NADDC is pursuing strategic programmes designed to deepen local capacity, strengthen the automotive value chain and create employment opportunities for Nigerians. These initiatives, he noted, include support for local component manufacturing, skills development, research and innovation, as well as partnerships aimed at accelerating the adoption of cleaner and more efficient vehicle technologies.
“The future of mobility is already here, and it is being driven by innovation, sustainability and collaboration. Nigeria must not be left behind. Through deliberate policies, strategic investments and strong partnerships among government, industry players and the media, we can transform our nation from a vehicle-consuming market into a competitive automotive manufacturing and innovation hub for Africa,” Osanipin said.
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Auto
Jetour Nigeria Unveils RELY R8, Rugged Luxury Pickup Built to Dominate Work, Adventure
Jetour Nigeria Unveils RELY R8, Rugged Luxury Pickup Built to Dominate Work, Adventure
Jetour Nigeria has unveiled the RELY R8, a premium pickup truck designed to combine rugged performance with luxury, advanced technology and exceptional versatility, setting a new benchmark for work and recreational vehicles in Nigeria.
Engineered to thrive in the country’s demanding terrain, the RELY R8 is built for agriculture, construction, logistics, security escort operations and weekend adventures, offering the toughness of a workhorse without sacrificing the comfort and refinement of a modern SUV.
The pickup boasts high ground clearance, impressive approach and departure angles, and a reinforced chassis designed to withstand harsh road conditions while delivering excellent stability, even in strong crosswinds.
Its all-terrain capability is enhanced by multiple driving modes, allowing drivers to switch effortlessly between mud, sand and paved roads. Whether tackling heavy-duty tasks or venturing off the beaten path, the RELY R8 is built to perform with confidence.
Inside, the vehicle departs from the traditional utilitarian pickup design, featuring a spacious SUV-inspired cabin that comfortably accommodates five adults while offering a premium driving experience.
Speaking on the new model, Jetour Nigeria representative, Kemi Adeola, described the RELY R8 as a perfect blend of strength, innovation and comfort.
“The RELY R8 delivers strength, reliability and advanced technology in one vehicle. It offers the capability of a modern workhorse without compromising on premium comfort or safety,” she said.
The pickup is equipped with a high-performance processor that powers its L2+ intelligent driving assistance system. It also features a 12.3-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and remote engine start for enhanced convenience.
Safety is another major highlight of the RELY R8, with features including Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist and Autonomous Emergency Braking, all designed to provide greater confidence and protection on every journey.
Jetour Nigeria has continued to strengthen its presence in the country’s automotive market, earning recognition as the Fastest Growing Auto Brand in Nigeria, while its Jetour Dashing SUV won the prestigious Car of the Year award. The company has served as the sole authorised distributor of Jetour vehicles in Nigeria since 2022.
The RELY R8 is backed by comprehensive manufacturer support, genuine spare parts and professional after-sales service through Jetour Nigeria’s network of authorised dealers, including Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era Autovehicle Services Limited, Kojo Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, R.T. Briscoe Plc, TAB Autos Limited and Mandilas Motors.
Jetour Nigeria has invited prospective customers to visit any of its authorised dealerships nationwide to book a test drive and experience firsthand the RELY R8’s blend of rugged capability, cutting-edge technology and premium comfort.
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Auto
No Hiding Place for Traffic Offenders as FRSC Unleashes 12 Special Operations Nationwide
No Hiding Place for Traffic Offenders as FRSC Unleashes 12 Special Operations Nationwide
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has launched one of the most ambitious nationwide road safety operations in its history, deploying 12 intelligence-driven, code-named special enforcement campaigns across the country’s Zonal Commands in a decisive bid to curb road crashes, crack down on traffic offenders and save lives.
The coordinated initiative, known as the Zonal Special Intervention Patrol (ZSIP), commenced on July 20, with all 12 Zonal Commands simultaneously rolling out operations specifically designed to tackle the peculiar road safety challenges within their jurisdictions.
The operations are peration Fushin Zuma (Anger of the Bee) in Kaduna, Operation Ride Safe in Bauchi, Operation Shark Smile in Port Harcourt, Operation ABO (Safe Passage) in Lagos, Operation Sauka Lafia in Abuja, Operation Kasolayo in Ilorin, Operation Kwushi Ihe Mberede in Enugu, Operation Sanity in Osogbo, Operation Total Compliance in Benin, Operation Harbin Kunama (Scorpion Sting) in Yola, Operation Hadarin Kalangu in Jos, and Operation Daidaita Loading in Zone 10.
The Corps said the coordinated intervention reflects its determination to confront the major causes of road traffic crashes through intelligence-led enforcement, aggressive public enlightenment, enhanced operational visibility, stakeholder engagement and strategic collaboration with other security agencies.
Approved by the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, the Special Intervention Patrol is designed to empower each Zonal Command to tackle the unique crash patterns and traffic violations prevalent in its area of responsibility.
According to the Corps Marshal, the initiative marks a significant departure from conventional traffic enforcement, shifting instead to targeted, intelligence-based operations capable of delivering measurable results in reducing road crashes and fatalities.
He explained that each operation had been carefully crafted to address dangerous driving behaviours and recurring traffic offences responsible for avoidable deaths and injuries on Nigerian roads.
Mohammed disclosed that the operations would witness massive deployment of FRSC personnel to highways, motor parks, loading points and other critical traffic corridors across the country.
The enforcement exercise, he added, would be complemented by sustained public awareness campaigns, stakeholder engagement and close collaboration with sister security agencies to ensure effective enforcement and prompt emergency response.
He warned motorists, commercial vehicle operators and fleet owners that there would be no hiding place for traffic offenders, stressing that anyone found violating traffic regulations would face firm but professional enforcement in line with the Corps’ statutory mandate.
The Corps Marshal, however, assured law-abiding road users that the operations were not designed to harass or punish responsible motorists but to safeguard lives and property.
He urged Nigerians to cooperate with FRSC patrol teams by obeying traffic regulations, avoiding dangerous practices such as overloading, mixed loading and reckless driving, while encouraging members of the public to report unsafe road users.
Mohammed also called on transport operators to embrace voluntary compliance, noting that road safety remains a shared responsibility requiring the collective commitment of government, transport stakeholders and every road user.
Summing up the Corps’ renewed determination to reduce road carnage on Nigerian highways, he declared: “Every Zone has a mission. Every patrol has a purpose. Every operation is a commitment to saving lives.”
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Auto
Jetour Nigeria Extends Winning Streak, Clinches Auto Brand of the Year Award
Jetour Nigeria Extends Winning Streak, Clinches Auto Brand of the Year Award
Jetour Nigeria has reinforced its growing dominance in Nigeria’s automotive market after emerging Auto Brand of the Year at the 12th Nigeria Transport Lecture and Awards, adding yet another prestigious honour to its expanding list of industry accolades.
The award, presented at the Transport Day Media event held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, recognises the company’s remarkable market growth, expanding customer base and commitment to delivering innovative mobility solutions backed by reliable after-sales support.
This latest recognition comes on the heels of Jetour Nigeria’s recent Market Share Leadership Award 2025 from Jetour International, further underscoring the brand’s rapid ascent as one of the country’s fastest-growing automobile brands.
A Rapid Rise to the Top
The award highlights Jetour Nigeria’s explosive growth trajectory, soaring market acceptance, and unwavering commitment to tech-driven vehicles and premium after-sales support.
Speaking on the decision to honour the brand, Publisher of Transport Day Media, Mr. Frank Kintum, noted that Jetour’s disruptive impact on the market made it impossible to ignore.
“The Jetour brand has made a remarkable impact on the Nigerian market since its introduction, and they have consistently sustained that momentum,” Kintum stated.
“It was therefore difficult to overlook the brand for this prestigious recognition.”
Power of Authenticity
This latest accolade underscores Jetour Nigeria’s position as the sole authorized distributor of the global brand. Officially appointed by Jetour International in 2022, the company holds the exclusive rights to import, distribute, and service the entire Jetour lineup in Nigeria.
To protect consumer investments, Jetour Nigeria has built a comprehensive automotive ecosystem. By purchasing through the official network, customers are guaranteed genuine spare parts, expert factory-trained technical support, and valid manufacturer warranties.
Global Recognition/ Diverse Lineup
Jetour Nigeria says in a statement tgst its aggressive market strategy is not just winning local awards, it is turning heads globally.
At the 2026 Jetour Global Conference, Jetour International presented the Nigerian team with the Market Share Leadership Award 2025, crowning it the brand’s top-performing market in Africa.
This joins an already packed trophy cabinet, which includes the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) New Entrant of the Year, Fastest Growing Auto Brand, and the NAJA Car of the Year for the sleek Jetour Dashing.
Jetour’s rapidly expanding portfolio caters to a new generation of Nigerian drivers, blending rugged capability with eco-conscious innovation-the Flagship- G700 stands at the apex of the lineup as a luxury off-roader that delivers highly efficient running costs thanks to its advanced Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powertrain.
The SUVs & Crossovers are the X50, X70 Plus, X90 Plus, T1 and the award-winning Dashing.
Rugged & Hybrid Capability-The rugged Jetour T2 (alongside its PHEV variant) and the X70 PHEV.
Nationwide Reach via Elite Dealerships
To ensure seamless, nationwide access to sales and premium maintenance, Jetour Nigeria operates through a carefully selected network of seven authorized dealership partners.
These remain the only entities officially recognized by both Jetour International and Jetour Nigeria to sell and service Jetour vehicles across the country, they are Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era Autovehicle Services Limite, Kojo Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, R.T. Briscoe Plc, TAB Autos Limited, and Mandilas Motors.
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