WAAS 2026 Boosts Investors’ Confidence In Nigeria’s Automotive Sector

Stakeholders at the 2026 West Africa Automotive Show (WAAS) have expressed confidence in Nigeria’s automotive industry, citing increasing investments, market expansion and growing opportunities for local manufacturing.

The exhibition, holding at the Landmark Event Centre, Lagos, from May 12 to 14, has attracted more than 350 exhibitors from across Africa, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Speaking on the significance of the event, the Exhibition Manager of WAAS, Peter May, said the show had become a strategic platform for connecting global automotive suppliers with West African businesses.

According to him, “The better quality visitors we get, the more exhibitors enjoy the show. We expect over 6,000 visitors this year, which is higher than last year. WAAS gives importers, distributors and entrepreneurs direct access to more than 350 suppliers.”

May explained that the exhibition was also supporting Nigeria’s drive towards automotive assembly and local manufacturing.

“We have worked with agencies like the NADDC because the end goal is to encourage more manufacturing plants in Nigeria. The influx of automotive products and technical knowledge will help that process,” he stated.

Also, Nnamdi Uzoezie, head of sales at Bestaff, said participation in the exhibition enabled the company to showcase its local manufacturing capabilities.

“At Bestaff, we are lubricant blenders and manufacturers. All the products displayed under our sister company, MRS, are manufactured in Nigeria at our plant in Apapa,” he said.

He noted that the exhibition remained important for reinforcing market visibility and attracting business partnerships.

Similarly, Eric Fantoji of Winpart by CFAO described WAAS as the leading automotive aftersales exhibition in West Africa.

“It is the number one event in West Africa in terms of aftersales. We are sponsors of WAAS because our presence here is necessary,” he said.

Fantoji added that the company was considering local manufacturing of lubricants and batteries in Nigeria.

“To manufacture locally is always in the conversation because it helps competitiveness and expands market reach. But such investments require careful planning,” he explained.

Also speaking, Subash Bashkaran of WR Carpenters said the company was expanding its operations into Nigeria’s automotive sector with lubricants and heavy machinery spare parts.

“We are going to set up a factory in Nigeria for blending and repacking. That will reduce costs and bring more investment into the country,” he disclosed.

In the same vein, Bankole Ilori of C Woermann Nigeria Limited said Nigeria remained the biggest automotive business destination in Africa.

“The Nigerian and West African automotive market is huge and recognised globally. That is why companies continue to invest and participate in exhibitions like this,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Ali Kouri from Germany-based ANK Auto Tyler said the exhibition offered opportunities for companies to understand the market and build stronger customer relationships.

“It is important for us to get closer to existing and potential customers so we can understand what the market needs and provide better service,” he said.

Industry players at the exhibition stressed the need for policy consistency, infrastructure support and increased local production to further strengthen the automotive sector in Nigeria and across West Africa.