Regional producers, international car companies prepare for 20th Lagos Motor Show, automobile exhibition.

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By Theodore Opara

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Peparations are intensifying for the 20th Lagos Motor Fair and 13th Africa AutoParts Expo, scheduled to take place from March 17 to 19, 2026, at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, as more local and international companies confirm participation.

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The exhibition will bring together leading brands in automobiles, spare parts, accessories, lubricants, additives, financial services, insurance and security technologies to showcase a wide range of modern products, innovations and services.

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Chairman of the Organising Committee and Managing Director of BKG Exhibitions Limited, Mr. Ifeanyi Agwu, disclosed this during a media briefing in Lagos, noting that the event continues to attract strong interest from industry players across the globe.

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According to him, the Lagos Motor Fair has evolved into a major international automotive marketplace where indigenous and foreign companies showcase their capabilities while exploring new business opportunities.

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Agwu said more Nigerian companies have recently confirmed their participation, joining over 100 foreign firms already registered for the exhibition. The event is expected to host companies from countries including Turkey, China, India, Germany and the United Arab Emirates, all presenting world-class automotive products and services.

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He explained that the fair remains one of the largest gatherings of established automotive brands and emerging players, covering segments such as passenger cars, buses, trucks, spare parts, lubricants, accessories, financial services and automotive technologies.

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“Virtually all the major brands in automobiles, spare parts, lubricants, financial services and insurance, as well as regulatory and policy-making agencies, are expected at this year’s fair. The response from industry stakeholders has been very encouraging,” he said.

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Agwu added that the 2026 edition will witness a strong presence from members of the Motorcycle Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) and the Automotive Local Content Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (ALCMAN), following recent strategic partnerships with the organisers.

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He noted that the exhibition provides an important platform to showcase the capabilities and growth potential of Nigeria’s automotive industry while encouraging investment into the sector.

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Despite the economic challenges confronting the automotive industry and the broader Nigerian economy, the organisers said they remain committed to sustaining the event as a forum for dialogue, collaboration and investment promotion.

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“For more than a decade, the Lagos Motor Fair has served as a unique forum for assessing the capacity and future potential of Nigeria’s automotive sector. It remains one of the few platforms where industry stakeholders, policymakers, investors and consumers can interact directly and exchange ideas that shape the sector’s future,” Agwu said.

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To attract wider participation, the organisers have intensified efforts to ensure strong attendance from institutional buyers, trade professionals, industry associations and individual consumers.

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Agwu said the exhibition will highlight the significant investment opportunities available within Nigeria’s automotive industry and encourage both existing and potential stakeholders to take advantage of the platform.

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As part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional automotive hub, invitations have also been extended to trade groups and professional associations across West and Central Africa through the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).

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“Our vision is to position Nigeria’s auto parts market as a major production, distribution and trading hub for West, Central and East Africa, with the long-term goal of serving the entire continent,” he said.

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With the support of international partners in Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, China and India, more than 100 Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and dealers in auto parts and accessories are expected to participate in the exhibition.

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The organisers said special emphasis is being placed on the spare parts segment of the industry because of its potential to stimulate cottage industries and create significant economic multiplier effects.

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“Our focus on the spare parts sector is deliberate. It is aimed at encouraging the development of local manufacturing and strengthening value chains within the automotive ecosystem,” Agwu explained.

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He added that bringing global manufacturers to Lagos will enable Nigerian and regional spare parts dealers to establish direct and lasting business relationships with original producers.

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Beyond the exhibitions and business networking sessions, the organisers also promised an engaging experience for visitors throughout the three-day event.

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Several participating companies, they said, have planned promotional activities including product demonstrations, gift items, lucky dips and other interactive attractions.

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According to the organisers, the fair has been designed to offer something for everyone, including industry professionals, business visitors and members of the general public.

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They added that each day of the exhibition will feature a variety of activities aimed at making the event both informative and entertaining.

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“Visitors and exhibitors should expect an exciting and memorable experience. This year’s edition promises to set a new benchmark for automotive exhibitions in sub-Saharan Africa,” the organisers said.

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