Nigeria’s automobile industry is facing mounting pressure as the country spent a massive N6.54 trillion on imported vehicles, transport equipment, and auto spare parts between 2023 and 2025, according to the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, Oluwemimo Osanipin.

Osanipin made the disclosure during the opening ceremony of the West African Automotive Summit held in Lagos, where industry stakeholders gathered to discuss the future of Nigeria’s automotive sector and the urgent need to strengthen local manufacturing.

The NADDC boss described the rising import bill as a major threat to the survival and growth of Nigeria’s local automobile industry, warning that excessive dependence on foreign vehicles and spare parts continues to weaken local production capacity and discourage investments.

Nigeria’s Vehicle Import Bill Jumps by 107%

According to data cited from the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria spent over N4.3 trillion on imported vehicles alone within the period under review.

He further revealed that the country’s total importation of transport equipment and auto parts surged from N3.15 trillion in 2023 to N6.54 trillion in 2025, representing a shocking 107 percent increase in just two years.

The development has intensified concerns among industry players over the future of Nigeria’s automotive manufacturing industry, especially as locally assembled vehicles continue to struggle against heavy importation and low consumer confidence.

NADDC Warns Over Weak Local Automotive Industry

Speaking on the summit theme, “After-Sales as a Growth Engine,” Osanipin stressed that the success of Nigeria’s automotive sector depends not only on vehicle sales but also on efficient after-sales services, technical support, spare parts availability, warranties, and customer satisfaction.

According to him, countries with successful automobile industries built strong after-sales systems that support local manufacturing, create jobs, improve consumer trust, and boost long-term industry growth.

He explained that improving maintenance services and technical support would encourage more Nigerians to embrace locally assembled vehicles instead of relying heavily on imported automobiles.

“Poor after-sales service discourages investments and weakens customer confidence, while efficient support systems encourage repeat purchases and market expansion,” he said.

Electric Vehicles, Technical Skills Key to Nigeria’s Auto Future

Osanipin also highlighted the urgent need for continuous training and skills acquisition for Nigerian technicians and automobile service personnel, especially as the industry gradually transitions toward electric and hybrid vehicle technologies.

He disclosed that the NADDC is currently collaborating with stakeholders across the automotive sector on technical training programmes, policy reforms, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at improving industry standards nationwide.

The automotive regulator further urged car dealers, manufacturers, and service providers to invest heavily in genuine spare parts distribution networks and customer support infrastructure across Nigeria.

LCCI Raises Concern Over Delayed Automotive Legislation

Meanwhile, industry stakeholders at the summit expressed concerns over the delay in implementing key automotive policies and legislation needed to reposition Nigeria’s automobile sector.

Experts warned that without clear government policies, incentives, and strong support for local manufacturers, Nigeria may continue losing billions of naira annually to vehicle importation.

The summit also focused on strategies for strengthening local content development, improving vehicle maintenance culture, enhancing technical expertise, and promoting sustainable mobility solutions across West Africa.

Industry leaders believe that stronger collaboration between the government and private sector players will be critical to reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported vehicles and creating a globally competitive automotive industry.