Okoya-Thomas, others commend Nigeria Auto Market Guide
The prominent industrialist and business man made this remark recently at the formal presentation and launch of the maiden edition of the Nigeria Auto Market Guide in Lagos. He also commended the editors and publisher of Nigeria Auto Market Guide for their initiative to tap from the opportunities provided by the Nigerian auto industry. “These […]
The prominent industrialist and business man made this remark recently at the formal presentation and launch of the maiden edition of the Nigeria Auto Market Guide in Lagos.
He also commended the editors and publisher of Nigeria Auto Market Guide for their initiative to tap from the opportunities provided by the Nigerian auto industry.
“These three young Nigerians who have been following the sector in the last two decades have in their own unique way contributed their quota to the industry by this work.
“I therefore recommend this publication to everyone who has something to do with the auto industry directly or indirectly, especially companies and government agencies who wish to purchase or change their fleet as well as individuals”.
Okoya-Thomas who is also the Chairman of CFAO group in Nigeria stated that “the auto industry plays a very vital role in the economy of every nation. Apart from being one of the major employers of labour, the auto industry plays a catalytic role in the economic development of any nation and Nigeria is no exception.
“With a population of about 170 million people, there is no doubt that the Nigerian auto industry has a big role to play in the development of our country. This is why I feel that the sector is yet to be fully harnessed.
“Though the sector has been bedeviled by many challenges, ranging from poor infrastructure, unstable foreign exchange rates, inconsistent government policies, multiple taxations, to mention but a few, operators in the sector have continued to give their best to ensure its survival.
He expressed hope that “government could address the challenges so as to move the sector forward considering the important roles it plays especially in the creation of employment for our youths.
The Chairman also expressed pleasure at the turn out of captains of industry who graced the occasion, among whom were the Managing Director of Toyota Nigeria Limited, Mr C. K. Thampy; MD, Globe Motors, Mr Victor Oguamalam; MD, Hyra Motors, Mr Seyi Onajide; MD BKG Exhibitions, Mr Ifeanyichukwu Agwu; MD, General Motors Nigeria, Mr. Tony Arenyeka; Executive Director of Toyota Nigeria Limited, Mr Kunle Ade-Ojo; Group Executive Director, Lanre Shittu Motors, Mr Taiwo Shittu, Marketing Director, Elizade Motors, Mr Olu Tikolo etc
Also present were the representatives of the Lagos State Commissioner for Transport, Director-General, National Automotive Council, Director-General, Nigeria Institute of Transport Technology, Managing Director, Federal Road Maintenance Agency, and Managing Directors of some blue chip companies.
“Your presence here today underscores how seriously you take the industry and your determination to move it forward”, the chairman said.
In his address, the Managing Editor of Nigeria Auto Market Guide, Mr Frank Kintum, noted that “There is no doubting the fact that the Nigeria Auto Industry has come a very long way. From the involvement of private investors to the participation of government, the industry has passed through a lot of metamorphosis over the years-importation of different brands, local assembling, marketing innovations etc.
“But you will agree with me that one thing that has been lacking in this industry is the absence of a single compendium that encompasses all the genuine players in the industry. Today, the market is saturated with all kinds of brands, distributors and dealers, but the unfortunate thing is that not all are genuine.
“It is in this regard that the Nigeria Auto Market Guide (NAMG) is published to serve as a reliable directory and hand book for the Nigerian Auto industry”.
According to him, the NAMG will, among other things, enable patrons of brand new vehicles deal with the genuine auto distributors and dealers in the country; serve as an avenue for genuine Auto distributors and dealers to market their products; serve as a guide to prospective investors in the industry; and provide salient resource about the industry”.
The book, which is to be published annually, consists mainly of these sections-The Corporate Profile-Enlists the profile of the main auto distributing companies in the country, with emphasis on their mission and corporate contacts in terms of physical addresses nation-wide, telephone numbers, e-mail addresses etc.
The Personality Profile- features the brief Curriculum Vitae of some of the brains behind the auto industry in Nigeria, as well as the profiles of some government officials who are connected to the auto industry.
The Agencies connected with road transportation are not left out. Agencies such as the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), National Automotive Council (NAC) etc are captured in this section.
Nigeria Auto Market Guide publication has also provided readers with some relevant information like a comprehensive classified listing of auto companies, tyre companies, Insurance companies where genuine Auto insurance can be obtained, import statistics etc.
Kintum also revealed that in the 2013 edition, an After-Sales Section, will be introduced just as the placement of pictures of all the Personality Profiles etc.
He added that the book will be distributed to all the Local Government Councils in the country, to all the 36 states of the federation, to all federal government agencies, to all blue chip companies and to all High Net Worth Individuals.
According to him, “CSS Book shop and the Hub Media Store at the Palms Shopping Mall are to complete our distributing channels for the book. CSS Bookshop is expected to distribute the books in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt while the Hub Media Store is expected to distribute mainly from its Palm Shopping Centre, in Lekki, Lagos”.