Kojo Motors has applauded the Nigerian Government for reducing customs duties on imported vehicles, saying the measure will ease the cost of vehicle importation and provide a significant boost to Nigeria’s automotive sector.

The company’s Director, Maxwell Oguegbu, made the remarks in Abuja while unveiling the maiden edition of the Kojo Auto Show 2026.

The three-day exhibition, slated for December 3 to 5, 2026, in Abuja, will feature a grand prize of a brand-new car for one lucky winner. The event is expected to attract automobile manufacturers, dealerships, financial institutions, government agencies, transport operators, investors, entrepreneurs, and motoring enthusiasts across the country.

Oguegbu said the auto show was initiated to close existing gaps within Nigeria’s automotive industry by providing a common platform for stakeholders to share ideas, build strategic partnerships and explore new business opportunities.

According to him, the initiative represents the company’s commitment to supporting the growth of the automotive sector through an event that promotes innovation, collaboration and knowledge sharing.

He noted that Abuja was deliberately selected as the host city because of its status as Nigeria’s political and commercial nerve centre, making it an ideal location to attract policymakers, investors and major players in the automotive value chain.

Oguegbu added that the choice of the Federal Capital Territory aligns with the vision of positioning Abuja as a centre for automotive innovation and commerce while fostering stronger collaboration across the industry.

He said the tariff reduction had already begun to reduce the cost of clearing imported vehicles and would ultimately translate into lower importation costs in the coming months.

According to him, the policy demonstrates the positive impact government interventions can have on the automotive sector, stressing that collaboration between government and industry players remains critical to unlocking the sector’s full potential.

“As a company with experience across different areas of the automotive industry, we understand the value of bringing together all stakeholders, including the government. The reduction in customs tariffs is a good start because it has helped lower the cost of importing vehicles and reduced the cost of clearing goods coming into the country,” he said.

Oguegbu, however, urged the government to go beyond tariff reductions by introducing policies that would encourage local manufacturing and attract greater investment into the sector.

He called for measures that would make it easier for automobile manufacturers to establish production facilities across Nigeria, noting that improving the ease of setting up factories would boost local vehicle assembly, create jobs and deepen industrialisation.

“There is still more support the government can provide. Manufacturers need policies that make production easier. Creating an enabling environment for companies to establish factories across the country will strengthen local manufacturing and accelerate the growth of the automotive industry,” he added.

He maintained that sustained policy support would not only encourage investment but also position Nigeria as a competitive automotive manufacturing hub in Africa.