ASPMDA Targets Bigger Role in Nigeria’s Automotive Future, vows tougher sanctions against fake parts dealers

The President of the Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association, ASPMDA, Ngozi Emechebe, has called for a stronger partnership with the Federal Government to reposition Nigeria’s automotive industry, deepen local production and tackle the menace of counterfeit spare parts.
Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the West Africa Automotive Show in Lagos, Emechebe said ASPMDA was transforming from a conventional trading cluster into a modern automotive business hub capable of supporting Nigeria’s industrialisation drive.
He said the association was ready to work closely with government agencies and key stakeholders to advance its “Keep Nigeria Moving” vision and strengthen the country’s automotive value chain.
According to him, ASPMDA has evolved significantly from its early days of informal trading into a structured organisation operating from a world-class facility designed to support large-scale automotive commerce and industry collaboration.
“All the time I have been coming to this fair, I have been dreaming of how to launch ASPMDA into the centre of this country,” he said.
“ASPMDA is a highly organised trading association. We have moved from street trading and now we have beautiful, world-class premises.”
Emechebe disclosed that discussions were already ongoing with the National Automotive Design and Development Council, NADDC, on possible areas of collaboration aimed at accelerating automotive development in Nigeria.
He explained that the proposed partnership would focus on creating policies, institutional support and business-friendly initiatives that would improve the operations of spare parts dealers and other local automotive businesses.
“We need government support and partnership. We have a part to play in Nigeria’s automotive development agenda,” he said.
The ASPMDA president also commended the Federal Government’s vehicle financing initiatives targeted at Nigerian youths, describing them as a positive step towards expanding mobility and encouraging participation in the automotive ecosystem.
On the persistent challenge of fake and substandard spare parts, Emechebe said the association had intensified efforts to sanitise the market through stricter enforcement measures and closer collaboration with regulatory authorities.
He revealed that ASPMDA had already allocated office spaces within its complex to agencies responsible for monitoring product standards and combating counterfeit goods.
“We want to make it a cultural matter so that when you violate it, you know where you are headed,” he said.
“If you bring in your product, defend it to the end consumer and stand by it. Adulteration is not allowed.”
Although he declined to disclose the exact penalties for offenders, Emechebe warned that severe sanctions awaited anyone found dealing in counterfeit products within the market.
He also advocated increased local manufacturing of automotive components, insisting that Nigerian-made parts could outperform imported alternatives if produced according to standards tailored to local operating conditions.
“Local production is even better than foreign production,” he said.
“Whatever you want from a person, you must give it a standard Nigerians will see and buy — standards that fit Nigeria.”
Emechebe further disclosed that some ASPMDA members were already involved in the production of automotive components, adding that broader manufacturing partnerships could be explored as the industry expands.
However, he cautioned against poorly managed joint ventures, warning that many business partnerships collapse due to weak management structures and lack of accountability.
The West Africa Automotive Show attracted regulators, manufacturers, dealers and other stakeholders from across the region to discuss emerging opportunities, policy direction and challenges confronting the automotive industry in West Africa.

Auto Imports Drain Nigeria’s Economy as Vehicle Spare Parts Bill Hits N6.54tn

Nigeria’s ambition to build a thriving local automotive industry is facing mounting pressure as the country’s spending on imported vehicles and spare parts soared to N6.54 trillion between 2023 and 2025, raising fresh concerns over the survival of indigenous auto manufacturing.

The Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Oluwemimo Osanipin, disclosed the figures in Lagos on Tuesday during the opening of the West African Automotive Summit, where industry stakeholders warned that the nation’s dependence on foreign automotive products was deepening despite ongoing efforts to promote local assembly.

According to him, data obtained from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that imports of transport equipment and spare parts rose sharply from N3.15 trillion in 2023 to N6.54 trillion in 2025, representing a 107 per cent increase within two years.

He added that vehicle imports alone gulped more than N4.3 trillion during the period, underscoring the huge outflow of foreign exchange from Africa’s largest economy.

Osanipin said the trend reflects growing consumer preference for imported vehicles amid persistent concerns over maintenance support, spare parts availability, and technical service delivery within the local automotive ecosystem.

He warned that unless Nigeria develops a reliable after-sales structure capable of supporting locally assembled vehicles, the country may continue to struggle with low patronage of domestic brands and rising dependence on imports.

Speaking on the summit theme, “After-Sales as a Growth Engine,” the NADDC boss argued that the future of the automotive sector extends beyond vehicle sales, stressing that maintenance services, warranties, technical support, and customer satisfaction are now central to industry growth globally.

He noted that countries with strong automotive industries built extensive after-sales networks that not only boosted consumer confidence but also stimulated local manufacturing, job creation, and investment.

According to him, weak after-sales systems discourage buyers, reduce repeat purchases, and undermine investor confidence in the sector.

Osanipin also said the transition toward electric and hybrid vehicles makes technical capacity development more urgent, as mechanics and service personnel would require new skills to manage emerging vehicle technologies.

He disclosed that NADDC is currently partnering with industry stakeholders on technical training, skills acquisition programmes, and policy initiatives aimed at improving service standards across the automotive value chain.

The council further urged automobile companies, dealers, and service providers to strengthen customer support systems and expand access to genuine spare parts nationwide in order to improve confidence in locally assembled vehicles.

Industry stakeholders at the summit also called for stronger local content policies, improved maintenance culture, enhanced technical expertise, and greater collaboration across West Africa to drive sustainable automotive growth in the region.

ABC Transport Unveils Archive Centre to Showcase Decades of Innovation, Excellence

In a remarkable celebration of legacy, innovation and corporate heritage, ABC Transport Plc officially unveiled its Historic and Archive Centre on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the company’s corporate headquarters in Owerri, Imo State.

The unveiling, which coincided with the birthday celebration of the company’s founder, Frank Nneji, marked another significant milestone in the 33-year journey of one of Nigeria’s most innovative and diversified transport and logistics companies.

Founded on February 13, 1993, ABC Transport Plc has evolved from a visionary transport company into a nationally recognised brand known for pioneering modern transport solutions, operational excellence and customer-focused innovation across Nigeria and West Africa.

The newly commissioned Historic and Archive Centre was established to document, preserve and showcase the company’s rich history and transformational journey over the decades.

The facility houses an extensive collection of historical artefacts, awards, photographs, archival documents, video recordings and memorabilia from some of the company’s defining moments.

Among the notable exhibits are memorabilia from the commissioning of the first ABC coach, the launch of Nigeria’s first ultra-modern transport terminal, the expansion into regional operations through Coach West Africa, and several landmark achievements that helped redefine road transportation and logistics services in Nigeria.

Over the course of its 33-year history, ABC Transport Plc has recorded several groundbreaking milestones, including:

1993 – Launch of the company’s first Owerri-Lagos route

1996 – Introduction of ABC Cargo Express services

1998 – Launch of Sleeper Coach Services

1999 – Partnership with NIPOST for mail transportation services

2000 – Establishment of the Driver Training Academy and commencement of e-ticketing services

2001 – Commissioning of the first ultra-modern transport terminal in West Africa, located in Abuja

2003 – Celebration of the company’s 10th anniversary and commissioning of Terminal 3 in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos

2004 – Launch of Coach West Africa, pioneering regional transport routes across West Africa

2006 – Listing on the Nigerian Stock Exchange and collaboration with state governments on municipal transport projects

2007 – Launch of the Shuttle Service and opening of the Port Harcourt Mega Terminal

2008 – Establishment of ABC Haulage and commencement of Sprinter Services

2012 – Launch of the Undergraduate Scholarship Award Scheme

2014 – Rollout of the first trucks from the company’s assembly-line subsidiary

2023 – Corporate rebranding, incorporation of ABC Cargo Express, and celebration of the company’s 30th anniversary

2026 – Celebration of 33 years of operations and unveiling of the Historic and Archive Centre

Designed as both a heritage and educational facility, the centre provides a serene and intellectually engaging environment where students, researchers, transport enthusiasts, business leaders and members of the public can learn about the evolution of the transport industry through the lens of ABC Transport’s journey. The facility also reflects the company’s commitment to institutional memory, leadership, innovation and nation-building.

The event was intimate yet deeply symbolic, bringing together alumni staff, pioneer employees, current management and staff, strategic partners, family members and longtime associates of the organisation who played significant roles in its early development and sustained growth.

Guests at the occasion shared memories and reflections on the company’s humble beginnings, transformational milestones and enduring impact on Nigeria’s transportation sector. The celebration also featured a special birthday cake-cutting ceremony in honour of the founder, whose visionary leadership laid the foundation for the company’s success story.

Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, the Group Managing Director/CEO of ABC Transport Plc, Jude Nneji, described the Historic and Archive Centre as a strategic investment in preserving institutional heritage and inspiring future generations.

“This Historic and Archive Centre is more than a collection of memories; it is a living testament to resilience, innovation, vision and the pioneering spirit that built ABC Transport over the last 33 years.

“As we continue to evolve as a modern transport and logistics company, it is important that we preserve the stories, sacrifices, milestones and achievements that shaped our journey.

“We want young people, students, professionals and future entrepreneurs to walk into this centre and understand that great institutions are built through vision, consistency, courage and service. This centre ensures that the legacy of our founder and the collective efforts of everyone who contributed to this journey will continue to inspire generations to come,” he said.

The unveiling of the Historic and Archive Centre represents yet another bold step in ABC Transport Plc’s continued commitment to excellence, innovation and legacy preservation as the company positions itself for the future while honouring its storied past.

As ABC Transport celebrates 33 years of transformational impact, the company remains steadfast in its mission to deliver safe, reliable and innovative transport and logistics solutions while continuing to shape the future of mobility and logistics in Nigeria and beyond.