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, 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.
