Landmark auto summit to spotlight Nigeria’s local assemblers and future growth potential

For many Nigerians, the dream of owning a car has become painfully distant. Import duties are rising, exchange rates are volatile, and port clearance costs continue to climb. A modest family sedan that once cost ₦5 million can now demand nearly double that. Dealers warn that if nothing changes, vehicles may soon be out of reach for most households.

But there is a new hope. It is not arriving in containers shipped through Apapa ports, but is being built in Nigeria’s own backyards; factories across Nnewi, Enugu, Kaduna, Lagos, Ogun, and Abia are assembling cars, buses, trucks, and even electric vehicles that carry a Made in Nigeria badge.

This vision is at the heart of the First Nigerian Auto Assembly Summit 2025, hosted by AutoJournal Africa in Lagos. Under the theme “Made in Nigeria, Made for the World,” policymakers, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs will gather to show how local assembly can transform Nigeria’s car market, save buyers money, and put the nation on the global automotive map.

From Innoson’s SUVs and Jet Systems’ electric minibuses to Proforce’s bulletproof military trucks, Nigeria’s assemblers are proving that the country can design, build, and even export vehicles. Together, they are symbols of resilience, innovation, and ambition in a country where imported goods often overshadow local capacity.

Here are the Top 5 Assemblers Driving Nigeria’s Automotive Future in 2025.

1. Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM)

The pride of Nnewi, IVM was founded by Innocent Chukwuma, who began with motorcycle parts before scaling into full vehicle assembly. Today, Innoson produces sedans, SUVs, and buses and has unveiled Nigeria’s first electric car. With plants in Nnewi and Owerri, it also works with the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) on a tractor project. Innoson exports across West Africa, showing that Nigerian-built cars can cross borders with pride.

2. Nord Automobiles

Founded by Oluwatobi Joshua Ajayi, a former Mercedes-Benz Nigeria executive, Nord is one of Nigeria’s youngest but most ambitious assemblers. Operating from Sangotedo and UNILAG, Nord produces sedans, SUVs, pickups, and minibuses, largely rebadged from Asian platforms. Its sleek designs and rising presence have made it popular among Nigeria’s growing middle class.

3. Coscharis Motors

Dr. Cosmas Maduka built Coscharis into a household name. Since 2015, his Awoyaya assembly plant has produced global brands like Ford and Renault. With room for multi-shift expansion, Coscharis stands as one of the few Nigerian assemblers capable of scaling to meet rising demand for passenger vehicles.

4. Proforce Limited

Ade Ogundeyin founded Proforce as Nigeria’s answer to global defence manufacturing. From Ode-Remo and Port Harcourt, the company produces armoured personnel carriers (APCs), mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles (MRAPs), and bulletproof SUVs. Its Ara MRAP and PF2 models are built for African militaries, making Proforce one of Nigeria’s few automotive exporters beyond civilian use.

5. Saglev Electromobility

Dr. Sam Gbenga Faleye’s Saglev is Nigeria’s first EV-only assembler. Located in Imota, Ikorodu, the NADDC-approved plant produces 2,500 to 10,000 electric cars per year. Its partnerships with Chinese brands like VOYAH and Dongfeng and its investment in charging infrastructure make it one of the most forward-looking auto firms in West Africa.

Read more on 5 reasons you should attend the Nigerian Auto Assembly Summit 2025