Nigeria is one of the biggest car buyers in Africa. While the country has been a major destination for foreign used vehicles (“Tokunbo cars”), things began to change when some individuals started thinking about reducing the high rate of imported used vehicles by manufacturing cars locally. This shift sparked a growing interest in indigenous automobile manufacturing, leading Nigeria to boast the highest number of indigenous automobile manufacturers in Africa. Nigeria currently has 40 indigenous Automobile company and still counting, also read top 10 Car Assembly plant in Nigeria

First car made-in Nigeria

In 1997, Engineer Ezekiel Izuogu manufactured the first made-in-Nigeria car, called the Z-600. This achievement caught the attention of then-Head of State, General Sani Abacha, who officially verified and approved the vehicle’s roadworthiness. Engr.Dr. Ezekiel Izuogu was a lecturer at Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Imo state, and he was able to produce 90% of Z-600 parts locally. Armed men broke into his factory and stole all his tools. Dr. Ezekiel Izuogu became the first African private individual to produce a car, the Z-600 in 1997.

In recent years, the trend has continued with innovators like Mustapha Gajibo, a university dropout from Borno State, who became the first Nigerian to manufacture 100% made in Nigeria electric vehicle.

In 2013, the Nigerian federal government led by President Muhammadu Buhari to adopted an Automobile policy to encourage both foreign and indigenous car manufacturers to establish assembly plants within the country. This policy was designed to reduce the high cost of import duties on finished vehicles, improve the economy, and make locally manufactured cars more affordable for the average citizen.

Vehicles produced in Nigeria don’t attract import levies, potentially making them cheaper than their foreign counterparts and that’s while some people toady don’t like buying locally made product because they believe since is cheaper than others is not standard.

Many of the indigenous automobile companies are now producing their car spare parts, repairing broken vehicle components, renovating used cars, and assembling imported car parts. However, only a few are engaged in the production of brand new vehicles in Nigeria.

Despite these positive developments, the growth of the auto industry has faced numerous challenges over the years, leading to a continued preference for foreign fairly used (“tokunbo”) cars over made-in-Nigeria cars.

These developments showcase Nigeria’s potential to transition from a major importer of vehicles to a significant producer of automobiles, both for domestic use and potentially for export to other African markets.

Floyd Mayweather, American professional boxer was driven in an Innoson car when he arrived in Abuja, Nigeria on May 7, 2022.

Nigeria has able to exported 400 cars to Mali in 2017, Till date Nigeria has still exporting cars to other Africa countries like Sierra Leone , Ghana and mali.

Things to consider when buying made in Nigeria car

• Reliability: Built to withstand local conditions, these cars are tough and dependable.
• Durability: Engineered with longevity in mind, they’re designed to go the distance.
• Low Maintenance: With locally available parts and expertise, keeping your car in top shape is easier and more affordable.
• Economic Impact: By choosing Nigerian-made, you’re supporting local jobs and boosting the national economy.

If you’re looking for a luxury car to cruise this December 2024, look no further than these list of cars made in Nigeria . It’s time for Nigerians and indeed all of Africa to recognize and patronize our local products. By choosing a made-in-Nigeria car, you’re not just buying a vehicle; you’re investing in a vision of African automotive excellence.

This article highlights top ten made in Nigeria cars worth buying in 2024 , quickly let’s shift into high gear and explore the top 10 made-in-Nigeria cars that are making waves in 2024. Our ranking is based on quality, durability, maintenance requirements, manufacturing costs, and adherence to international standards.

list of car manufacturers in Nigeria

1. Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM

Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) is Nigeria’s first indigenous car manufacturing company. Based in Nnewi, Anambra State, IVM has become a symbol of Nigerian industrial ingenuity. Innoson boasts to have sold 10,000 automobiles after 8 year of launch, making it Nigeria’s top 1 car manufacturer. The company produces a wide range of vehicles, including: Cars, Buses, Trucks, and Ambulances.

IVM’s manufacturing and assembling plant which is located in Nnewi, Anambra State was incorporated in February 2007 and the factory was commissioned in October 2009.

Chukwuma Innoson, an indigene of Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria, who initially sold motor auto parts, is the CEO of Innoson Motors. The idea and creation of Innoson Motors stemmed from his extensive knowledge of motor parts from his previous business.

IVM’s success extends beyond Nigeria’s borders, with the company exporting $4.7 million worth of vehicles to Sierra Leone. This international recognition has cemented IVM’s position as a leader in African automotive manufacturing.

Recently, President Bola Tinubu commissioned Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses produced by Innoson Motors to ease transportation problems in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Nigeria exports cars to Mali, Sierra Leone, and Ghana through Innoson Motors. Innoson has become a brand name in Nigeria’s automotive industry. Their latest model in the market, IVM Ijele, is competing with the Toyota Prado 2024 model.

Innoson is Nigeria’s biggest indigenous car-producing company. One of its models, the Innoson G5T, was given to Phyna, the winner of Big Brother Naija 2022, as a grand prize. Nigerians have been supporting the brand, although there’s still a preference for foreign-made vehicles over locally produced ones, despite the latter meeting international standards.

Nigerian King, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, the Oluwo of Iwo, uses an Innoson car, the IVM G80 Wagon, as one of his official cars.

The governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, became the first governor to use a made-in-Nigeria car as his official vehicle, choosing an Innoson model.

Innoson’s objective is to stop the entry of imported used cars, or “Tokunbo,” into the nation and instead build reliable and affordable vehicles for Africans.

2. Nord Motors

Nord Motors represents the new generation of Nigerian automotive innovation, owned by young entrepreneur Ajayi Oluwatobi. The comp2any’s headquarters are situated in Epe, Lagos, with a daily production capacity of 25 vehicles.

If you’re looking for a Nigerian-made vehicle that guarantees value for your money, look no further than Nord. The latest models currently in the market, the Nord A3 and A9, compete with Toyota’s flagship cars.

3. Jet Motors

Jet Motors is one of the indigenous electric vehicle manufacturing plants in Nigeria. Jet Motor Company, owned by Jelani Aliyu, is known for its innovative designs and commitment to quality. Jelani Aliyu, a renowned automotive designer, played a significant role in shaping the aesthetics of the Chevrolet Volt during his time at General Motors.

Their goal of fostering a healthier environment remains key as they continue to create, innovate, and embrace a sustainable driving culture for the African market. They produce a variety of vehicles, including cars, buses, and trucks.

4.Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Ltd (DPAN)

In 2017, business mogul Aliko Dangote acquired the license for Peugeot assembly in Nigeria, leading to the establishment of Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Ltd (DPAN), a joint venture between Dangote Group, Peugeot, and the Kaduna and Kano State governments. Located in Kaduna State, the Greenfield Ultima Assembly Plant has an impressive capacity of 120 vehicles per day, assembling models such as the Landtrek, Peugeot 3008, Peugeot 5008, and the new Peugeot 508.

Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Ltd is driven by orders from the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Government agencies, and private transport companies, making it a well-known brand in Nigeria

5. Egoras Vehicle (EV)

Although Egoras primarily operates as a blockchain-based financial platform, they have ventured into the automotive sector. Their goal is to create a decentralized marketplace for vehicle financing and ownership.

Egoras is the first Nigerian company to launch a locally made electric sedan, the APEX28. The vehicle is powered by a layer 1 blockchain called EgochainHQ, developed by Egoras in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Owners can drive and earn cryptocurrency ($EGAX) for driving their APEX28, while businesses can earn $EGAX by setting up charging stations.

6. Ingrace Motors

Ingrace Motors is an indigenous auto manufacturing company owned by Nigeria’s top businessman and philanthropist, Mr. Chinedu Onu.

Ingrace Motors has established a substantial presence in the industry by opening a new automobile assembly plant on 600 plots of land in Ezimo, Enugu State, Nigeria. The company currently offers 11 different vehicle models, contributing to the growing diversity of Nigeria’s automotive offerings.

The Ingrace Group was conceived and founded by Chief Chinedu Onu in 2005 and has grown into a successful business, manufacturing automobiles to international standards.

7. OMAA Motors:

Based in Igbo-Ukwu, Anambra State, OMAA Motors has made significant strides in alternative fuel vehicles by producing natural gas-powered buses.

The company has received substantial orders, including: – 2,322 buses from the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) – 200 buses from Zamfara State.

8 Roxettes Motors

In a significant step towards sustainable transportation, Roxettes Motors unveiled Nigeria’s first locally assembled electric car in Enugu State Nigeria. The Roxettes Motors is a Nigerian Indigenous Automotive Company that specializes in manufacturing and assembling electric cars in South Eastern part of Nigeria.

This milestone achievement showcases impressive features owned by a Nigerian serial entrepreneur, Kelechi Orji from Enugu State Nigeria.

9.Bennie Technologies

This company, led by Jerry Mallo, produced Nigeria’s first-ever sports car, the Bennie Purrie. The 27-year-old Jerry Mallo made headlines by producing Nigeria’s first sports car, the Bennie Purrie, in Jos, Plateau State. At 22, he started assembling tractors locally in 2016. At the age of 24, jerry Mallo designed and built this sports car in 2019, with several of its parts produced locally.

10. Coscharis Motors:

Coscharis Motors: Coscharis Motors is an indegenious automobile assembly company and one of the most well-known manufacturers of motor automobiles in Nigeria.

The Nigerian car dealer finished construction of its cutting-edge facility in 2018, which has the capacity to produce more than 10,000 automobiles annually. Coscharis is owned by Dr. Cosmas Maduka. All the made in Nigeria car company listed above are verified by National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC)- the Official government body overseeing the automotive sector

The Nigerian automotive industry is accelerating towards a brighter future, driven by innovation, entrepreneurship, and a commitment to quality. These top 10 manufacturers are not just producing vehicles; they’re crafting a new narrative for Nigeria’s industrial capabilities.

As we look to the future, the road ahead for Nigerian car manufacturers seems promising. With continued support, investment, and innovation, Nigeria is well-positioned to become a major player in the global automotive industry.