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:
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.
