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By Bolaji Okunola
Stakeholders and members of the Nigeria Auto Spare Parts & Machinery Dealers’ Association (ASPAMDA) have disclosed that Nigeria’s expanding vehicle and aftermarket sector is attracting renewed investment interest from both local and international companies.
They made this known recently during the opening of the 2026 West Africa Automotive Show (WAAS) in Lagos, a three-day industry exhibition featuring more than 350 exhibitors and an expected 6,000 visitors from across the region.
The exhibition showcases products and services spanning auto parts, lubricants, tyres, batteries, heavy machineries, tricycles, spare parts distribution and mobility solutions.
Exhibition Manager of WAAS, Peter May, said the show had continued to grow steadily due to strong partnerships and increasing confidence from exhibitors.
“Every year, our goal is to make the exhibition bigger and better,” May said. “This year, we have over 350 exhibitors and we expect more than 6,000 visitors during the three-day event.”
According to him, WAAS had become a major platform connecting importers, distributors and manufacturers seeking opportunities in Nigeria and the wider West African market.
“Nigeria and West Africa remain largely import-driven markets,” he said. “Exhibitors from Europe, China, the United Arab Emirate (UAE) and other regions are bringing quality automotive products into the market, helping to improve standards and create new business opportunities.”
He added that the exhibition also supports the long-term development of local manufacturing through collaboration with industry bodies such as the National Automotive Design and Development Council.
Also speaking, ASPAMDA president, Ngozi Chukwuka Emechebe, hinted that the show would help broaden the scope of his members, while applauding the organisers for staging a positive exhibition.
Bankole Ilori, representative of C Woermann Nigeria Limited, described Nigeria and West Africa as some of the continent’s most important automotive markets.
“The automotive industry in Nigeria and West Africa is a huge market,” he said. “Globally, people recognise that the region commands one of the biggest automotive businesses in Africa.”
Ilori noted that his company had participated in the exhibition consistently over the last seven to eight years because of its strong impact on product visibility and business growth.
“We have received valuable customer feedback and generated opportunities to push more of our products into the market through this platform,” he added.
For Malaysia-based WR Carpenters, the exhibition marked another step in its expansion into Nigeria’s automotive sector.
Project Lead, Subash Baskaran, said the company was introducing lubricants, heavy machinery spare parts and tricycles into the Nigerian market.
“Nigeria is one of the biggest markets in West Africa,” he said. “We already operate four warehouses in the country and we are now expanding further into the automotive segment.”
He revealed that the company was considering setting up a blending and repackaging factory in Nigeria to reduce costs and deepen local investment.
Similarly, Eric Fantodji, General Manager of Winpart by CFAO, said the company was using the exhibition to demonstrate that quality automotive products could remain affordable.
“We want the Nigerian market to understand that quality does not necessarily mean high prices,” he said. “Our products are competitively priced while maintaining standards that are superior to many low-grade alternatives.”
He added that CFAO was also exploring opportunities for local production of lubricants and batteries to strengthen competitiveness in the market.
Other exhibitors highlighted the importance of the exhibition in helping companies better understand consumer needs and market dynamics.
Ali Kouri, General Manager of Germany-based ANK Auto Tyler, said the Lagos exhibition offered direct access to customers and distributors.
“To succeed in this market, you need the right balance between quality and affordability. That is why we are here; to understand the market better and position our products effectively,” he said.
Arnab Chattopadhyay, General Manager of Kewalram Nigeria and producers of Asahi brands, noted that Nigerian consumers were increasingly shifting from premium automotive products to more affordable mid-range alternatives because of current economic realities.
Despite recent market slowdowns, he expressed confidence in the sector’s recovery and long-term growth potential.
