The Automotive Dealers Association of Nigeria (ADAN) is calling on federal agencies to join forces in expanding the country’s automobile industry and attracting fresh investment. Speaking in Lagos, the Chairman of ADAN’s 2025 biannual awards committee, Amobi Moghalu, revealed that ADAN has spent over two decades lobbying for formal recognition and regulation of auto dealers.
He argued that it’s unacceptable for an industry contributing “well over seven percent to the GDP” to still be treated as part of the informal sector. According to Moghalu, over the years, the association has battled “some of the obnoxious and extortionist policies of the government and its agencies, particularly Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Police Force and other relevant agencies.” He added that ADAN wants to build “constructive rapprochement” with those bodies to better understand industry expectations.
Moghalu also voiced concern that “this anomaly stems from the fact that the sector has become an all‑comers affair, with virtually everybody claiming to be players in the industry. From mechanics to vulcanizers, plumbers to carpenters … everyone … assumes the toga of a car dealer.” He announced that in 2026, ADAN plans to roll out state chapters nationwide and affiliate allied associations, creating a more unified force to shape auto‑industry policymaking and protect the interests of dealers and customers alike.
In a related development, the Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, will receive the “Governor of the Year” award at the November 16, 2025 ceremony in recognition of his support for CNG‑powered mass transit.
On the operational front, ADAN’s General Secretary Benny Chijioke said the association is raising funds for a national secretariat.
In his words, “This national secretariat is designed as a one‑stop clearing house for all matters automobile. We intend to establish the grundnorm, the parameters for interaction between our members and the buying public.”
