Nigeria’s automotive industry has grown significantly in the last two decades. Once heavily reliant on imported vehicles, the country is now home to several assembly plants that manufacture and assemble cars, trucks, and buses locally. This shift aligns with the Federal Government’s National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP), introduced to encourage local production, reduce foreign dependency, and create jobs for Nigerians.
Vehicle assembly plants have contributed to economic development, skill transfer, and the expansion of Nigeria’s industrial sector. In this blog post, we explore 10 of the most prominent vehicle assembly plants in Nigeria, highlighting their locations, the types of vehicles they produce, and their overall impact on the automotive landscape.
1. Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company (IVM) – Nnewi, Anambra State
Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM), Nigeria's first indigenous car manufacturer, was established in 2007 by Chief Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma. Located in Nnewi, Anambra State, the company assembles cars, buses, and trucks specifically suited for Nigerian roads and conditions.
IVM’s product range includes sedans, SUVs, 15- to 18-seater buses, mini-buses, and heavy-duty trucks. The company is lauded for its high local content, with over 60% of vehicle components manufactured in Nigeria. Innoson’s contribution to local employment and technological advancement in the auto sector is widely recognized.
2. Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN) – Kaduna, Kaduna State
Peugeot Automobile Nigeria Limited (PAN) is one of the oldest car assembly plants in Nigeria, founded in 1972. Located in Kaduna, the plant has long been associated with assembling Peugeot vehicles for Nigerian consumers and public institutions.
Over the years, PAN has assembled models such as the Peugeot 504, 505, 406, and most recently, the Peugeot 301 and 508. Though it experienced a decline during the 1990s and early 2000s, recent investments and government support have seen PAN resume operations under the ownership of ASD Motors and collaboration with the global Peugeot brand.
3. Stallion Group – Lagos State
Stallion Group is a major conglomerate with interests across various sectors, including automobile assembly. It operates several assembly plants in Lagos, assembling cars for internationally renowned brands such as Nissan, Volkswagen, Honda, Hyundai, and Changan.
The group has played a pivotal role in reviving brands like Volkswagen in Nigeria. Its modern facilities and strategic partnerships have allowed it to meet local vehicle demand and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported cars. Stallion’s production covers sedans, pickups, SUVs, and buses.
4. Coscharis Motors Assembly Ltd – Awoyaya, Lagos State
Coscharis Motors Assembly Ltd, part of the Coscharis Group, is located in Awoyaya, Lagos State. The company assembles popular global automobile brands including Ford and Renault. In 2019, it began local assembly of the Ford Ranger, a pickup truck designed for rugged terrains.
Coscharis is one of the leading players pushing for Nigeria’s automotive self-sufficiency. The company’s investment in local infrastructure and human capital has positioned it as a trusted brand for both retail consumers and government fleet procurements.
5. Nord Automobiles Ltd – Sangotedo, Lagos State
Nord Automobiles is a fully Nigerian-owned vehicle manufacturing company founded by Oluwatobi Ajayi. Its assembly plant is located in Sangotedo, Lagos State. Nord produces a variety of vehicles, including SUVs, sedans, buses, and pickups.
The company has positioned itself as an affordable, locally-tailored alternative to foreign brands, producing vehicles designed specifically for Nigerian roads and market preferences. Nord Automobiles also offers flexible vehicle financing options and after-sales support, which has boosted its appeal among private and corporate buyers.
6. Proforce Limited – Ode Remo, Ogun State
Proforce Limited is Nigeria’s foremost manufacturer of armored vehicles, with its factory situated in Ode Remo, Ogun State. The company was founded to serve the Nigerian military, police, and other security agencies.
Proforce produces tactical vehicles, armored personnel carriers, and bulletproof SUVs. Its presence has helped Nigeria meet its own defense vehicle needs without depending entirely on foreign imports. The company also exports to other African countries, establishing Nigeria as a player in the global defense vehicle industry.
7. Iron Products Industries Ltd (IPI) – Lagos State
Iron Products Industries Ltd (IPI) is located in Lagos and is involved in both the manufacture and assembly of vehicles. The company’s main focus is on trucks, trailers, and other commercial transport vehicles.
IPI’s assembly line is known for producing rugged vehicles suitable for logistics, construction, and heavy-duty operations. As Nigeria’s transport and logistics needs continue to grow, IPI plays an increasingly important role in supplying affordable, locally-assembled alternatives to imported trucks.
8. Nissan Nigeria – Lagos State
In collaboration with the Stallion Group, Nissan Nigeria operates a major assembly plant in Lagos. It began assembling the Nissan Patrol and Almera models in Nigeria in 2014 following the implementation of NAIDP.
Nissan’s assembly plant in Lagos was among the first set up in response to the government’s automotive policy. It not only produces for the Nigerian market but also explores export opportunities within West Africa. Nissan’s operations have created jobs and increased the availability of affordable, durable cars.
9. Hyundai Nigeria – Lagos State
Also under the Stallion Group umbrella, Hyundai Nigeria has an assembly facility in Lagos. The plant produces several models including the Hyundai Grand i10, Accent, and Elantra.
Hyundai’s local assembly in Nigeria provides a cost-effective alternative to fully imported vehicles. The company’s focus on fuel efficiency, affordability, and durability has made it a preferred choice among Nigerian consumers, especially first-time buyers and fleet operators.
10. Globe Motors Assembly – Lagos State
Globe Motors has been a major automotive dealer in Nigeria for decades and recently expanded into vehicle assembly. Its plant in Lagos assembles vehicles under the Hyundai brand and is looking to expand into other product lines in the future.
The company has a strong track record in the Nigerian automobile space and is using that experience to ensure quality control in its assembly processes. Globe Motors' expansion into local manufacturing reflects a broader industry trend toward localization and value addition.
The Role of Government and Policy Support
The growth of vehicle assembly plants in Nigeria can be attributed largely to government policies, particularly the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP). This plan provides incentives such as tax breaks, import duty waivers on equipment, and protection against import-dumping.
However, industry players often emphasize the need for more robust infrastructure, improved power supply, and easier access to financing to scale operations. If these challenges are addressed, Nigeria has the potential to become a leading automotive hub in Africa.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s vehicle assembly landscape has transformed considerably over the past two decades. With 10 prominent plants actively assembling a variety of vehicle types—from passenger cars and buses to armored military trucks—the country is steadily reducing its dependency on fully built imported units.
These assembly plants not only contribute to economic diversification but also offer opportunities for job creation, technical training, and industrialization. As more investments flow in and government support strengthens, Nigeria is well-positioned to become an automotive production powerhouse in West Africa.
