The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Asper Online Auction and United States-based Nigerian, Saheed Ashogbon, is investing $100 million in the 36 states to address menace of abandoned vehicles on roads, even as he canvassed support of state governors to execute his plans.
Speaking with journalists in Lagos, Ashogbon said he was establishing an online auto auction platform with the aim of removing abandoned vehicles from the roads, adding that “the value chain is huge.”
He disclosed that the business would generate employment for thousands of youths and provide revenue for the government. He said he had written letters to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, seeking their support to start the business.
“I will need 50 hectares of land in Badagry, Epe, and Ikorodu to commence operations in Lagos. We have found that there are 500,000 abandoned vehicles on the streets and roads of Lagos,” he said.
In a letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu dated June 26, 2024, entitled “Proposed Investment Opportunity to Benefit the Nation,” he revealed: “I want to introduce a business that will benefit the country. I propose to bring an auction platform from the USA to sell all disused and abandoned vehicles within Nigeria police stations nationwide and assist Nigeria Customs in auctioning these vehicles globally.”
He added, “The total funds earmarked for this project in Nigeria amount to $100 million. We intend to have our headquarters in Lagos and establish branches across all 36 states of the federation.”He urged Sanwo-Olu to provide land in Ikorodu, Epe, and Badagry for the business, emphasising the benefits to the state and its residents..
