“We Are Focused on Developing Nigeria’s Automotive Industry,” Say Organisers
The organisers of the 20th Lagos International Motor Fair and the 13th Africa Autoparts Expo, incorporating the Africa Motorcycle and Tricycle Expo, have announced that the forthcoming edition of the all-inclusive automotive event will be strongly focused on accelerating the development of Nigeria’s automotive industry and positioning the country as the hub for automotive growth in West Africa.
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The event is scheduled to hold from March 17–19, 2026, at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
According to the organisers, Nigeria is richly endowed with both natural and human resources capable of transforming the country into one of the most vibrant automotive industry hubs in the world.
“Nigeria has all it takes to become a global automotive industry giant. In partnership with other like-minded stakeholders, we remain committed to deploying every available platform to ensure the country attains this height sooner than expected. This conviction informs our resolve to continue hosting these events despite the increasing challenges, as part of our contribution to the rapid growth of the sector,” the organisers stated.
Speaking further, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Agwu, Chairman of the Organising Committee, explained that the Lagos Motor Fair and Africa Autoparts Expo have, over the years, served as strategic platforms for driving investment into automobile spare parts and accessories manufacturing in Nigeria, while also strengthening aftermarket activities.
“We have consistently used these events to attract investment into auto components manufacturing and to showcase the enormous capacity and potential of this critical sector of the economy,” he said.
Mr. Agwu, who is also the Managing Director of BKG Exhibitions Limited, disclosed that the 2026 edition of the event will place strong emphasis on Business-to-Business (B2B) engagement between exhibiting Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and auto parts dealers from across Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
“We are deliberately creating a platform that enables OEMs and local dealers to establish working business partnerships that can lead to the establishment of component manufacturing plants in Nigeria,” he explained.
He added that the event is expected to stimulate the rapid emergence of companies engaged in the manufacturing of automotive components, thereby supporting government policies aimed at building a strong, sustainable, and competitive automotive sector in the country.
Mr. Agwu also advised the Federal Government to place greater emphasis on spare parts and components manufacturing, rather than focusing primarily on vehicle assembly.
“Spare parts manufacturing is where real technology transfer occurs. It involves precision engineering, planning, and innovation—far beyond the coupling processes involved in assembly. This approach will encourage the emergence of more OEMs and significantly increase employment opportunities,” he noted.
He further called for a review of the current automotive policy to ensure it achieves its intended objectives and fully supports local manufacturing.
Addressing the challenges of organising the event, Mr. Agwu acknowledged that hosting such large-scale industry platforms has become increasingly demanding but stressed that the organisers remain committed.
“Organising this event has been very challenging, but we are determined to keep it alive as a critical platform for the sector. Government intervention is urgently needed to support automobile companies operating in the country. The automotive industry occupies a strategic position in the economy and impacts virtually every aspect of national development. If the sector is neglected, the consequences will be far-reaching for both the economy and the lives of Nigerians,” he warned.
In collaboration with international partners, the organisers have reached out to automotive component manufacturers and industry players across the globe, with encouraging responses.
According to Mr. Agwu, over 100 original components manufacturers from China, India, South Korea, South Africa, Singapore, Turkey, Nigeria, and other countries—alongside major automobile distribution and manufacturing companies operating in Nigeria—are expected to showcase their products and services at the event.
“Our objective is to enable Nigerian and West African stakeholders in automobile spare parts, accessories, and allied businesses to forge lasting and mutually beneficial partnerships with global manufacturers,” he said.
The exhibition will run concurrently with a series of seminars and technical workshops, designed to address policy, investment, technology transfer, and industry best practices.
Mr. Agwu concluded that each day of the three-day event will be packed with activities carefully curated to deliver maximum value to exhibitors, visitors, policymakers, investors, and other stakeholders.
