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BKG Exhibitions Limited, organisers of the annual Lagos Motor Fair & Autoparts Expo Africa, said this year’s edition of the shows would come with a difference. Managing Director, BKG Exhibitions Limited, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Agwu, who is also the Chairman of the Organising Committee for the event, said the 16th Edition of the Motor Fair will hold at the Federal Palace Hotel, Ahmadu Bello Way Victoria Island, Lagos from May 30-June 4, 2022, while the Autoparts starts from June 1 – 4, 2022.
Agwu disclosed that this year’s edition would hold despite all odd, saying his organisation was determined to ensure that the automotive sector of the Nigerian economy remains in the front burner of economic discourse in Nigeria despite the global economic downturn, Covid-19 pandemic and its attendant negative impacts on global businesses and other social activities as well as the uncertainties surrounding 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 potential especially as pertains to Nigeria, this edition holds. This, he said, 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 16 years of the Fair, we have packaged this edition to hold indoors as well as outdoors, depending on the type of vehicle for the automobiles, while the non-automobiles will be housed indoor. These are aimed at adding more glamour and aesthetics as well as protect products, exhibitors, and visitors from harsh weather conditions,” he further disclosed.
Agwu 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 a 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.
“Organising the event has been very challenging; we are always striving to ensure that it becomes a key event in the sector which could contribute immensely in enhancing its rapid development; as we use it annually to draw the necessary attention from both the public and private sectors. Government should increase support in all ramifications to the automobile companies operating in the country. It is a sector that affects virtually everything. It occupies a 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 the 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, ” he said.
Urging every stakeholder to actively participate in the event , Agwu disclosed that “we invited all the major automotive and allied sector manufacturers, assemblers, dealers, agents, etc. to participate in this very important edition and happily,” saying the response has been tremendous .
“We are expecting virtually all of them to actively participate. Special offers, rebates, gifts, and lots of other pocket-friendly finance options have been packaged for visitors and especially those that make purchases at the fair. There will also be free expert advisories on visitors’ vehicles from the brand representatives and other up-to-date information on brands, models, and the industry in general throughout the duration of the Fair,” the BKG boss added.
