Meet owners of Nigeria’s indigenous automobile assembly companies 

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Nigeria’s auto industry stands at a critical juncture, full of untapped potential but grappling with structural imbalances.

Once thriving in the 1960s and 1970s due to strong government backing, the sector’s trajectory was altered by privatization in the 1980s, leading to a steep decline in local vehicle production.

According to the former Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, the industry contributes only 0.04% to the country’s GDP, despite having the capacity to contribute up to 25%.

The minister also noted that while only about 10,000 people are currently employed in the sector, the industry could employ up to 300,000 Nigerians if adequately revived.

According to Nairametrics, Nigeria imported N546.79 billion worth of vehicles in 2020, which increased to N695.40 billion in 2021. However, imports declined slightly to N655.69 billion in 2022 before soaring by 124.7% to N1.47 trillion in 2023, fueled by increased demand and inventory buildup by auto dealers.

In 2024, imported cars saw a sharp 14.3% drop to N1.26 trillion, a reversal of the previous year’s boom, reflecting the deepening impact of economic instability on consumer spending.

The gap between vehicle demand and local production is an area of concern. Reports from the International Trade Administration indicate that Nigeria needs about 720,000 vehicles annually, but domestic assemblers can only supply 14,000 units, leaving the country heavily reliant on used imports.

Against this backdrop, a number of companies are making bold moves to restore Nigeria’s automotive legacy.

Here are the key players driving Nigeria’s vehicle assembly industry: 

Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) 

Founder, Innoson Vehicle, Chief Innocent Chukwuma Nwala

Innoson Vehicle is founded and largely owned by Chief Innocent Chukwuma Nwala, a Nigerian business magnate. It’s often touted as Nigeria’s first indigenous automobile manufacturing company.

He began by importing motorcycle parts in the 1980s and expanded into plastics manufacturing before founding IVM in 2007, with vehicle production commencing around 2010. By late 2014, it had produced and rolled out its first locally assembled cars.

The principal headquarters and assembly plant is located in Umudim, Nnewi (No. 95 Owerri Road, P.O. Box 1068, Anambra State). A second plant in Naze‑Owerri, Imo State, for automated vehicle production and CNG/LNG conversions. In collaboration with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, a third facility for manufacturing agricultural tractors is being developed under the name Lion IVM within UNN’s Lion Science Park.

Innoson Vehicles has been producing vehicles for the Sierra Leone Government. In November 2022, Innoson delivered vehicles valued at $4.7 million USD to Sierra Leone. It has also concluded plans with the Sierra Leone Government to establish an assembly plant in Freetown.

It supplies other African countries such as Sierra Leone, Niger, Congo, Ghana, Mali, Côte d’Ivoire, and Burkina Faso.

The company produces a wide variety of vehicles, including sedans like the Fox and Caris, multi-purpose vehicles such as the G20 Smart and Capa, and sport utility models. The company also assembles pick-up trucks, city and mini buses, as well as special-purpose vehicles including military vans, ambulances, and waste compactors. In 2022, it introduced locally made three-wheelers, and in September 2024, it unveiled its first electric vehicle.

Nord Automobiles 

Founder, Nord Automobiles, Oluwatobi Joshua Ajayi 

Nord Automobiles was founded by Oluwatobi Joshua Ajayi. He earned a degree in Soil Science and Farm Mechanization from Olabisi Onabanjo University and later completed an MBA at Lagos Business School, adding an EMBA certificate from IESE Business School, Spain.

After serving in the NYSC program with Mercedes‑Benz Nigeria, he swiftly rose to head the van division, increasing market share from less than 1% to around 7% between 2013 and 2015 and earning the Mercedes‑Benz Best Sales Performance for Africa award in 2013.

In 2015, he co‑founded Jetvan Automobiles Limited and led that until founding Nord Automobiles in 2018 with a vision of creating an affordable, durable, locally assembled vehicle brand.

Although the Nord brand was conceived in 2016 and vehicles were unveiled in December 2020. Nord operates its main assembly facility in Sangotedo; the company also owns an additional site in Epe.

It has an additional plant within the University of Lagos grounds that was opened in late 2022 for local assembly and possible component manufacturing.  The company has locations in 4th Avenue, Gwarimpa, and Tito Broz Street, Asokoro, Abuja.

Nord assembles various vehicles in Nigeria, rebadging Chinese-made models, which include the A3 sedan, A5, and upcoming A7 and A9 SUVs, Tank, Max, and Tusk pick-up trucks, and Yarn, Tripper, and Flit buses/shuttles.

Coscharis Motors 

Founder, Coscharis Motors, Dr. Cosmas Maduka 

Coscharis Motors is a flagship subsidiary of the Coscharis Group, founded and led by Dr. Cosmas Maduka, a renowned Nigerian entrepreneur.

He built the company from humble beginnings into an indigenous conglomerate that spans automobile sales and assembly, auto care, ICT, agro-allied industries, and more.

Coscharis Motors began local assembly operations in 2015. Initially, it operated from an Ikeja facility with Joylong buses, Ford Ranger pickups.

In 2017, it moved to a purpose-built assembly facility located at the group’s headquarters in Awoyaya, Lekki–Epe Expressway, Lagos, later including Renault, Duster SUVs, and Logan sedans.

The assembly plant, as of 2022, had a theoretical capacity of approximately 90 vehicles per day, translating to around 5,000 vehicles per year at a single-shift rate, and up to 13,000–26,000 units annually if the facility runs at full potential as a multi-brand CKD factory. Staff strength for the Assembly plant is 86, with 74 Nigerians and 12 expatriates.

Maduka is also recognized for securing exclusive Nigerian franchises for luxury brands like BMW, Mini, Jaguar Land Rover, Ford, MG, and Rolls-Royce.

Proforce Ltd 

CEO Proforce Ltd, Ade Ogundeyin

Proforce Limited was incorporated in 2008 as a subsidiary of O’la‑Kleen Holdings Limited, a Nigerian conglomerate with operations in Ghana, Liberia, the United States, Kuwait, and China.

Proforce was founded by Ade Ogundeyin, who has a BSc in Chemical Engineering from the University of Lagos and is a registered Engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). He established the company, originally as O’la Kleen Nigeria Ltd, and is the group managing director.

The company emerged from modest beginnings in cleaning and facilities services and has grown into Nigeria’s first indigenous armoured‑vehicle manufacturer, offering defence and protection solutions across land, air, and sea. It employs 100% Nigerian technicians and welders across its bases in Nigeria, Dubai, and India.

As the only total defence provider in West Africa, Proforce has operated for over 16 years, building a reputation as Nigeria’s key independent provider of armoured vehicles and ballistic security products.

The armoured‑vehicle manufacturer’s headquarters is situated in Victoria Island, Lagos, with full assembly operations based in Ode-Remo, Ogun State, where its flagship defence automotive manufacturing plant is located.

A second production facility operates in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, servicing South‑South markets, and additional expansion plans exist for Abuja and Katsina under collaboration with DICON.

Proforce products include a wide variety of defence products such as Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), Armoured Cash-In-Transit Vehicles (CITs), Armoured SUVs, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV-Drones), Armoured Saloons and Sedans, Bulletproof Helmets and Vests, Military Trucks, Infantry Combat Vehicles (ICVs), Armoured Boats and Marine Vessels, Architectural Armouring (safe houses/rooms, e.g., for banks and embassies). Their products/ vehicles cater to the Military, Police, Security, cash-in-transit, Marine, Body Armour, and Architectural Armouring.

The defense manufacturer has the capacity to produce 20 units of its Ara MRAP and 40 units of the PF2 armored vehicle per month at its main plant in Ode Remo.

Elizade Autoland/JAC Motors 

Founder, Elizade Autoland, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo 

Elizade Autoland/JAC Motors was founded by Chief Michael Ade-Ojo, a leading name in Nigeria’s automotive sector.

Born in Ondo State, Ade-Ojo’s journey into the auto business began after gaining valuable experience working with major companies like CFAO Motors and British Petroleum Nigeria.

In 1971, he launched Elizade Independent Agencies alongside his late wife, laying the groundwork for what would become Elizade Nigeria Limited. Over the years, this expanded into a diversified group that includes Toyota Nigeria Limited, Classic Motors Ltd, Okin Travels Ltd, and, notably, Elizade Autoland.

In 2017, Elizade JAC Autoland Limited (EJAL) signed an agreement with Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Company (JAC MOTORS) to be the sole distributor for JAC Motors’ passenger/ commercial vehicles and light-duty trucks in Nigeria. The JAC Motors Brand of Vehicles are assembled at the  EJAL assembly plant in Ikotun, Lagos.

Beyond business, Chief Ade-Ojo’s commitment to education is evident through the establishment of Elizade University in his hometown, aiming to nurture future leaders and entrepreneurs.

The company was formally launched as the exclusive Nigerian partner for JAC Motors in late 2017, with retail distribution operations previously underway.

Elizade Autoland’s Lagos assembly facility produces a diverse range of JAC vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, light-duty trucks, pickups, and commercial minibuses. Models assembled range from the JAC J4 sedan and various SUV models to T6 pickups, N-Series trucks, and the Sunray X5 bus for both passenger and cargo use.

Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria (DPAN) 

Founder, Aliko Dangote

Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria(DPAN) is the product of a joint venture led by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, through Dangote Industries Limited, in partnership with the Stellantis Group, the global parent of Peugeot, and the Kaduna, Plateau, and Kebbi State Governments.

From 2016, Dangote Group took control of the former Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria (PAN), relaunching local assembly operations under Nigerian leadership with Stellantis providing technical direction and state governments ensuring regional support and equity.

DPAN officially commenced operations in 2022, when its new Greenfield Ultima Assembly Plant in Kaduna began rolling out locally assembled Peugeot models, restarting national production of the Peugeot brand in Nigeria.

Sales, administration, and after-sales operations are managed from Kaduna, and the overall ownership and strategic oversight reside with Dangote Industries in collaboration with partner states and Stellantis.

The Kaduna plant assembles a growing range of Peugeot models for the Nigerian and West African markets, including the Peugeot 301 sedan, the Landtrek mid-size pickup, the 3008 SUV and its sporty GT variant, the seven-seater 5008 SUV, and the premium Peugeot 508, which was the most recent addition to the local lineup.

As of February 2025, DPAN utilizes its facility to assemble 120 vehicles daily and 44,000 per annum.

Ibrahim Isa Gachi is the Managing Director of Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited (DPAN).

ANAMMCO (Anambra Motor Manufacturing Company) 

Founder GUO & Sons Limited, Chief Dr. Godwin Ubaka Okeke 

ANAMMCO was conceived in the 1970s as a joint venture between the Federal Government of Nigeria and German auto giant Daimler AG (formerly Daimler-Benz AG). The company benefited from strong technical support rooted in German engineering standards.

However, with Daimler AG’s eventual exit and full divestment from the project, control of the company transitioned to new hands. While the Federal Government still retains a substantial share, GUO and Sons Limited, a Nigerian conglomerate with interests spanning transportation, logistics, and manufacturing, is the majority stakeholder.

GUO & Sons Limited was founded by Chief Dr. Godwin Ubaka Okeke, a native of Anambra State, who also serves as Chairman, Board of Directors, ANAMMCO LTD.

Under his leadership, ANAMMCO has transitioned from its dormant years into an active commercial vehicle assembler serving Nigerian fleet operators and government clients. While vehicle assembly officially began in 1980, after the plant’s commissioning in July of that year, commercial production commenced in 1981.

ANAMMCO is headquartered at Emene Industrial Layout, Enugu State, near the Akanu Ibiam International Airport. This remains the primary site for all assembly and manufacturing operations. It has branch offices and after-sales support centres in Lagos and Abuja.

The manufacturing company boasts over 40 years of automobile manufacturing experience, having assembled more than 45,000 vehicles, and serves an extensive portfolio of over 100 corporate clients across Nigeria and West Africa.

Dangote Sinotruk  

Dangote Sinotruk was founded in 2014 as a US$100 million joint venture between Dangote Industries Limited (holding 60%), Sinotruk (China) (30%–35%), and a Nigerian investor, Andas (5%). Dangote Sinotruk West Africa Limited is one of Nigeria’s largest indigenous heavy-vehicle assembly ventures.

DSWAL’s truck assembly plant is located along Oba Akran Avenue in Ikeja, Lagos, on the former site of the Nigerian Textile Mills. The facility was officially commissioned in June 2024, with state-of-the-art CKD/SKD assembly lines, welding booths, painting sections, and fabrication bays for trailers, tipper bodies, and truck cabins.

The plant currently manufactures four main categories of commercial vehicles: heavy-duty trucks, medium trucks, light trucks, and semi-trailers. With in-house welding and fabrication capabilities, DSWAL aims to gradually achieve 40%–60% local content, especially as the Ajaokuta Steel Project comes online.

When operating one work shift per day, the plant is capable of assembling 15 to 16 trucks each day. This adds up to about 10,000 trucks a year using the CKD (Completely Knocked Down) method, where vehicle parts are imported and assembled locally. The company plans to expand capacity to 13,000 units per year once the new CKD plant is fully operational and running dual shifts.

Jet Systems Automobile Industries Limited 

Founder, Jet Systems Automobile, Chidi Ajaere

Jet Systems was founded by Chidi Ajaere, the son of the late Edwin Ajaere, the founder of God is Good Motors (GIGM), a leading intercity transportation company in Nigeria

He attended Covenant University in Ota, Ogun State, for his tertiary education. Chidi furthered his studies at Niagara College in Canada and Griffith University in Australia, where he honed his business acumen

Chidi Ajaere returned to Nigeria following the death of his father, taking charge of the family business and assuming the role of Executive Chairman at GIGM.

In 2012, Chidi founded GIG Logistics, a subsidiary of GIG Group, to provide efficient and reliable logistics services. The company has since expanded its operations internationally, with service centers in Nigeria, Ghana, the United States, and China.

Chidi founded Jet Systems Automobile, a Nigerian electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer in 2018. The company focuses on producing sustainable, locally made EVs to address Nigeria’s transportation challenges

The company’s headquarters and main assembly plant are located at KM 46, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Sangotedo, Ajah, Lagos, Nigeria. This facility is equipped for the production of electric and compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, including ambulances, and vans. Their product lineup includes 14-seater electric buses, electric ambulances, and electric vans, catering to both public transportation and commercial sectors.

Jet Systems has partnered with the Delta State Government to deploy EVs for mass transportation and establish solar-powered charging stations across the state.

The assembly plant in Lagos has an estimated annual production capacity of 5,000 vehicles, with plans for expansion to meet growing demand for electric vehicles in Nigeria.

Roxettes Motors Limited 

Founder Roxettes Motors Limited, Kelechi Orji 

Roxettes Motors Limited was founded by Kelechi Orji, a visionary entrepreneur with a passion for sustainable and innovative transportation solutions.

Kelechi is also an architect; he is from Mbala Isuochi in Abia State, Nigeria. Dr. Orji is also the Group Chairman of THE K.KH GROUP, which he founded eighteen years ago with a vision to build an enduring industrial empire across Africa. In May 2025, the K.KH Group formally transitioned to Roxettes Group.

As a core division of Roxettes Group, Roxettes Motors, its lineup includes luxury SUVs, rugged pickups, and advanced electric vehicles.

The automotive division operates a state-of-the-art assembly plant in Abia State’s Eco-Drives Green Metropolis Free Trade Zone, with an annual production capacity of 40,000 vehicles.

Roxettes Motors Limited was officially registered and began operations in 2022, marking its entry into the Nigerian automotive manufacturing sector.

The company’s headquarters is located in Enugu State, Nigeria, serving as the administrative and operational hub. The primary assembly plant is situated in Obu-Aku City, Ukwa West Local Government Area, Abia State, within the Eco-Drives Green Metropolis (EDGM) Free Trade Zone.

Beyond automotive manufacturing, Roxettes Group has expanded into sectors such as construction, fintech, manufacturing, food retail, and real estate, positioning itself as a multi-sector powerhouse. This broad scope underscores Roxettes Motors’ role not only as a vehicle assembler but also as a vital part of a visionary enterprise driving Nigeria’s industrial and economic growth.

Saglev Electromobility Nigeria Limited 

Founder Saglev Electromobility, Dr. Sam Gbenga Faleye 

Saglev Electromobility, often referred to as Saglev, was founded by Dr. Sam Gbenga Faleye.

The Nigerian-born, U.S.-based physician founded Saglev Inc. in Delaware, USA, with a mission to accelerate the transition from fossil fuel vehicles to zero-emission electric vehicles in emerging markets. His strategy focuses on partnering with rideshare operators, corporate fleets, and public transport systems to drive large-scale EV adoption.

Dr. Faleye earned his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Ilorin and completed his Internal Medicine residency at Howard University Hospital in Washington, D.C. He has been a Board-Certified Internist in private practice since 1998 and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians since 2005. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Informatics at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center

His diverse ventures include U.S.-based real estate, securities trading, and a deep commitment to renewable energy as both a moral responsibility and entrepreneurial opportunity.

In December 2023, Saglev began operations at its Imota, Ikorodu, Lagos assembly plant. According to the company, it is the first automotive assembly plant in sub-Saharan Africa to solely assemble only Electric Vehicles.

The facility was approved by the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), which handles both Semi-Knocked Down (SKD) and Complete Knocked Down (CKD) assembly for a range of electric sedans, SUVs, pickups, and buses.

Through partnerships with Dongfeng Motor Corporation, Saglev has introduced models like the VOYAH luxury EV series, the R6 electric pickup, and the M-HERO 917 electric SUV, alongside public transport-oriented BRT buses.

Saglev’s Lagos plant manufacturing facility boasts a minimum capacity of 2500 units annually, with the capacity to scale up to 10,000 units per year through expanded shifts. Beyond manufacturing, Saglev is also building charging infrastructure in collaboration with retail and energy partners, tackling one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption in Nigeria.