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Stakeholders hopeful of Automechanika contribution to Nigeria’s auto industry

By Editor
08 December 2017   |   4:21 am
Experts in the automotive industry in Nigeria and others from Middle East have expressed optimism that the next edition of a leading industry trade fair and exhibition...

Experts in the automotive industry in Nigeria and others from Middle East have expressed optimism that the next edition of a leading industry trade fair and exhibition, Automechanika Dubai, will create a platform for the realisation of government’s drive to build vehicles locally in Nigeria, and reduce import of fake automobile parts

Speaking at a road-show in Lagos, to discuss the benefits of the fair, scheduled for May 1-3, 2018, in Dubai, Regional Brand Development Manager, Messe Frankfurt, Middle East, Abdelrahman Kurdieh, said Automechanika remained the largest international automotive aftermarket trade exhibition in the wider Middle East, and offers opportunities capable of helping market growth in Nigeria.

Apart from the six sections of the fair: parts and components, electronics and systems, repair and maintenance, tyres and batteries, service station and car wash, and accessories and tuning, Kurdieh said the business matchmaking segment would present stakeholders with the right opportunities.

Noting that the trade fair has hosted more 30,000 visitors and about 2,000 exhibitors from different countries, he said the truck competence initiative of the event would also see exhibitors showcasing parts, equipment and services related to the commercial vehicle segment.

The Director, Policy and Planning, National Automotive Design and Development Council, Luqmann Manudu, who was also at the event, insisted that there were huge opportunities in the sector.

He said government is committed to addressing the challenges in the sector, and ensuring that objectives of the country’s automotive policy were achieved.

According to him, the 2018 Automechanika in Dubai is timely, and remained a key platform that will help the industry in Nigeria to grow, especially in the areas addressing aftermarket challenges.

Chairman, the auto sector, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN); Dr. D.V.C. Obi, called for industrial revolution that would put Nigeria on the path of development, adding that government was not committed to making the sector thrive.

Obi asked the organisers of the Automechanika to consider hosting the event in Nigeria, saying it would be more beneficial to the sector.

The Chief Executive Officer, Exhibition and Trade Fair Limited, Omonigho Itoya, representative of Automechanika in Nigeria, said the fair is a must for players, who are looking for networking and business opportunities.

She said the quality of the event and experience Messe Frankfurt is known for would once again come to play in the 2018 Automechanika, adding that the company would ensure Nigerians are supported in getting the best out of the exhibition.

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