ASPAMDA President Urges Revitalization of Nigeria’s Auto Spare Parts Industry

 

The President of the Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association (ASPAMDA), Hon. Ngozi Emechebe, has expressed deep concern over the decline of auto spare parts manufacturing in Nigeria. He believes that if the country can revive investments in the sector, Nigeria has the potential to become a global leader in auto parts production.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Lagos Motor Fair and Autoparts Expo, held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, on Wednesday, Emechebe reflected on Nigeria’s past achievements in the sector. He recalled that at one point, the country was on the verge of assembling vehicles using locally manufactured spare parts before the industry collapsed. However, he commended Innoson Motors for rekindling hope by producing vehicles locally.

“In the past, Nnewi was home to several thriving auto spare parts manufacturing companies. We were almost at the stage of assembling vehicles before things fell apart. Thankfully, Innoson Motors has brought back that vision,” he stated.

Optimism for a Resurgence in Local Production

The ASPAMDA leader acknowledged the current administration, led by President Bola Tinubu, for its commitment to revamping the sector. He noted that there are encouraging signs, as some companies are gradually resuming local production.

“With the direction Nigeria is heading, more companies are beginning to establish manufacturing operations in the country once again,” he said.

Emechebe also commended Mr. Ifeanyi Agwu, the organizer of the Lagos Motor Show, for his efforts in sustaining the event over the years. According to him, the expo has provided a significant platform for spare parts manufacturers from different parts of the world to connect with Nigerian dealers.

“This event has been a game-changer for our members. In the past, we had to travel to Europe, Japan, and Taiwan in search of business opportunities. Now, thanks to the spare parts expo, manufacturers from across the world come to Nigeria to showcase their products, making it easier and more convenient for our members to engage in trade,” he remarked.

China’s Influence and the Call for Local Development

Reflecting on past trade experiences, Emechebe noted that Nigerian traders initially relied on Taiwan for spare parts, but when their businesses grew, Taiwan restricted access and increased prices. This led Nigerian dealers to shift their focus to China.

He expressed hope that China might one day take a similar stance, forcing Nigeria to develop its own auto parts industry.

“I pray that one day, China will close its doors to us, just as Taiwan did. That will push us to manufacture our own products and become self-reliant,” he said.

Emechebe highlighted that Nigeria has already established itself as a dominant player in Africa’s spare parts market. He noted that ASPAMDA serves as a major hub, supplying auto parts to countries such as Angola, Ghana, Togo, Ivory Coast, Gambia, and Senegal.

“The Chinese government understands the importance of ASPAMDA to their businesses. If Nigeria takes the right steps, we can take over the world economy,” he asserted.

Challenges Facing Local Manufacturers

Despite the industry’s potential, Emechebe raised concerns about the difficult business environment in Nigeria. He urged the Federal Government to address issues such as high taxes, excessive import duties, and poor infrastructure, which he said are pushing local manufacturers out of business.

“At the moment, it is more cost-effective to import finished products than to manufacture locally. This has forced many companies to relocate to neighboring countries where business conditions are more favorable,” he lamented.

He emphasized that for Nigeria to achieve its vision of becoming a global leader in auto parts production, the government must create policies that support local manufacturers, improve infrastructure, and lower production costs.

As the Lagos Motor Fair and Autoparts Expo continues, industry stakeholders remain hopeful that the discussions and business engagements at the event will serve as a catalyst for the revival of Nigeria’s auto spare parts sector.