Why auto policy has suffered over one decade of delay – Dealers

The Professional Platform of Auto Dealers’ Association of Nigeria, an umbrella body of auto dealers in Nigeria, has said lack of unity among stakeholders had stalled the implementation of the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) also known as auto policy. The body however said it has concluded plans to embark on the construction of […]

The Professional Platform of Auto Dealers’ Association of Nigeria, an umbrella body of auto dealers in Nigeria, has said lack of unity among stakeholders had stalled the implementation of the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) also known as auto policy.

The body however said it has concluded plans to embark on the construction of a N350m secretariat which would serve as a hub to bring all auto dealership associations together to address the lingering challenges in the sector.

The association revealed this in Lagos yesterday during a press conference to announce the biennial award ceremony/N350m fundraising gala event scheduled for 16th of November 2025.

Chairman, Organising Committee of the programme, Igwe Amobi Moghalu who briefed the newsmen lamented that for a sector that contributes over seven per cent to the GDP, it is a shame that automobile dealership is still regarded and treated as an informal sector of the national economy.

Daily Trust reports that the auto policy which provides the regulatory frameworks for the auto industry development has been stalled over the past decade.

According to Moghalu, the auto policy has suffered because of the disunity among the auto industry players.

He said the association was committed to serve as a rallying force for other auto dealerships in Nigeria through its proposed secretariat which would serve as a hub for other auto dealers’ associations in Nigeria.

He reiterated that the body was committed to professionalising the auto dealership sector by bringing together all players under one umbrella.

According to him, auto dealerships should not be an all-comers’ affair with virtually everybody claiming to be players in the industry.

“From mechanics to vulcanisers, plumbers to carpenters and all other artisans, everyone who had in the past successfully sold a vehicle assumes the toga of a car dealer.

“A proper dealership should, apart from displaying vehicles in a showroom, provide after sales service, stock spare parts and other accessories and be capable of properly managing vehicle fleets for companies and big organisations,

“Even individual buyers should have their service records domiciled in the service and vehicle history books of the dealer, just like your doctor has your medical records in his or her office. A proper dealership should be capable of informing its customers of the due date for the servicing of their vehicles.

“Unfortunately for our country, most of the traditional dealerships were affected by trade liberalisation of the early 90’s such that most of them have closed shop or have greatly downsized their operations.”

He disclosed that at the forthcoming programme, the association, would apart from other awards, bestow the governor of the year award on Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State while other organisations like Samasun Motors, Royal C. Investment Company Limited, Crestline Logistics as well as the GMD/CEO of Adron Homes would be honoured.

Also speaking, the National Secretary of the association, Benny Chijioke said the group was committed to fostering unity and togetherness to collectively address the challenges facing the auto industry.