‘Nigeria’s auto industry growth hindered by absence of data’

The Publisher of Motoring World magazine and Chief Executive Officer of Motoring World Communications Limited, Femi Owoeye, has called for urgent reforms to address the persistent lack of data transparency and restricted media access in Nigeria’s automotive industry. Speaking ahead of the company’s 30th anniversary celebration scheduled for June 4 in Lagos, Owoeye said the […]

The Publisher of Motoring World magazine and Chief Executive Officer of Motoring World Communications Limited, Femi Owoeye, has called for urgent reforms to address the persistent lack of data transparency and restricted media access in Nigeria’s automotive industry.

Speaking ahead of the company’s 30th anniversary celebration scheduled for June 4 in Lagos, Owoeye said the growth and global competitiveness of Nigeria’s auto sector are being hindered by limited access to credible and timely industry information.

According to him, despite three decades of documenting developments in the nation’s automotive landscape, the challenge of obtaining reliable industry data remains unresolved.

He noted that unlike more transparent markets such as South Africa, where industry-wide vehicle sales figures are released regularly, Nigeria’s automotive ecosystem still operates without publicly available performance statistics.

“Automobile companies, franchise holders and dealers continue to treat sales figures as confidential, often citing competitive reasons. While this may appear strategic, it ultimately limits industry visibility, weakens investor confidence and undermines informed decision-making,” he said.

Owoeye also raised concerns over delayed and limited automotive data releases by the National Bureau of Statistics, noting that first-quarter 2026 figures were yet to be released as of the end of April.

He added that the absence of comprehensive reporting on local vehicle production and sales has created a major information gap for journalists, analysts and policymakers.

The veteran publisher further criticised what he described as selective media access within the industry, saying not all members of the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association are invited to important press briefings and industry events.

According to him, the situation has created a “two-tier information system” where some journalists enjoy direct access while others depend solely on press releases.