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The 15th edition of the annual Lagos International Motor Show will hold at the Federal Palace Hotel, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos, from June 28 – July 3, 2021. Managing Director, BKG Exhibitions Limited, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Agwu, who is also the Chairman of the Organising Committee for the event, disclosed this at a media briefing in Lagos.
Agwu said this year’s edition would be holding despite all odds to ensure that the automotive sector of the Nigerian economy remains in the front burner of economic discourse, having in mind the Covid-19 pandemic challenges, the attendant negative impacts on global businesses and other social activities as well as the uncertainties of the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP)..
He stressed that is in furtherance of the determination of the organisers to annually use the platform of the event to bring together major indigenous and global players in the automotive business to showcase capabilities and potentials especially as they pertain to Nigeria. This, according to the organising committee chair, is to help in fast-tracking the development of Nigeria’s automotive industry.
“In our mission and vision of making the event a world class global auto fair and to mark the 15 years of the Fair, we have packaged this edition to hold indoors. In fact starting from this 15th edition, the event will be hosted indoors. This is aimed at adding more glamour and aesthetics as well as protect products, exhibitors and visitors from harsh weather conditions,” he said.
The BKG boss called on the Federal Government to focus on how to ensure that the auto industry is given the special attention required so as to use it in driving the government’s economic diversification policy.
“This is because of the enormous multiplier effects it has on any economy where it thrives. Government should no longer delay in having a law backed automotive industry development policy that would be strictly implemented. Such would fast-track Nigeria’s becoming an automobile manufacturer and a hub of its businesses in Africa; bearing in mind the great natural endowments and other comparative advantages the nation has in the sector.
“The sector is very important as it shows physically the state of the economy and it generates much revenue and creates enormous employment. No serious government toys with it. Auto sector was one of the key sectors that received bailout from the diverse developed economy nations during the economic crises brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, which in small measures helped to resuscitate their economies. It is a sector that drives the economy; if it is badly affected, other sectors suffer. It is the artery 0f the economy. Government should parley seriously with the sector stakeholders to seeing how it could be made better,” Agwu said.
On the challenges of holding the event at a time like this, he said: “Organising the event has been very challenging; we are always striving to ensure that it becomes a key event in the sector which could enhance its rapid development; as we use it annually to draw the necessary attention from both the public and private sectors. Government should increase supports in all ramifications to the automobile companies operating in the country. It is a sector that affects virtually everything. It occupies prime position in the economy. If it is not done now it will in the very near future affect a whole lot in the life of the people and economy. The challenges of hosting this event is becoming higher but our drive in continuing is that the sector must not be allowed to die.”
Urging stakeholders to actively participate in the event, Agwu said that doing so will be an opportunity for them to show the strength and ruggedness of the players in the sector.-the policy inconsistencies notwithstanding.
“Without re-fleeting, accidents rates will increase astronomically; calling on government to really think deep about developing this sector. Working together, the stakeholders can put the issues of the sector in the front burners of economic discuss and policy in the country.
“We have invited all the major automotive and allied sector manufacturers, assemblers, dealers, agents, etc. to participate in this very important edition and happily the response has been tremendous and we are expecting virtually all of them to actively participate. Each of the days of the event is loaded with activities and events that will make this edition remarkably rewarding to the exhibitors, visitors and other stakeholders,” he explained even as he assured that “As part of the new normal, all the Covid-19 protocol will be strictly observed and maintained on the Fair ground.”
