Already, Kia Nigeria, Carloha Nigeria, Coscharis Motors, Globe Motors, Ineh-Mic Motors, Suzuki By CFAO, RT Briscoe, Toyota Nigeria Limited (TNL), Weststar Associates Limited and Honda Automobile Western Africa Limited (HAWA) have committed themselves to the success of the maiden event with full support while others are still being expected to join the moving train.

The event, being organized by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) in partnership with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), continues to excite stakeholders with preparations getting to the advanced stage, as Globe Motors gets ready to showcase its locally-assembled Cooling Van at the summit, which aims to proffer solutions to the challenges being faced by stakeholders.

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and officials from the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) are also expected to address the myriad of challenges facing auto importers at the summit to boost the confidence of stakeholders in the clearing process.

Envisioned as an annual flagship event of the country’s automotive industry to rally all stakeholders together in addressing the challenges facing them, the auto industry summit will recommend practical solutions to the government through a communiqué at the end of the event to fully explore the great potential in the automotive sector for national development.

Expected to be declared open by the Minister of Industries, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, the summit, which has as its theme, Reviving Nigeria’s Economy through the Automotive Sector, will have the NADDC Director General, Mr. Joseph Osannipin, as the Chief Host.

The NADDC boss is expected to be supported at the summit by members of the Nigeria Association of Automotive Manufacturers (NAMA) as well as leading stakeholders across Nigeria.

Commenting on the importance of the summit for the development of the country’s automotive sector, Chairman, organizing committee of NAISU, Femi Owoeye, said,

“Initiating this summit is vital, especially at this moment in history, when Nigeria is struggling to map its way out of the prevailing global economic despair. Being one of the drivers of the global economy, the automobile industry, if given the necessary impetus in Nigeria, is capable of transforming the country into an automotive manufacturing hub in Africa.

“To this end, the Nigeria Auto Industry Summit shall annually produce significant information compost that would help the government to make it happen. That is why the maiden event is themed: Reviving Nigeria’s Economy through the Automotive Sector.”

On his part, Mike Ochonma, the chairman of NAJA, said, “Significantly, the summit shall bridge the information and communication gap between the nation’s auto industry stakeholders and relevant government agencies.

“Moreover, annually, the summit shall give a single and united voice for the auto industry leaders to set developmental agenda aimed at kick starting and driving relevant government policies towards a sustainable development of the automotive industry in Nigeria and ultimately position the country as a frontline beneficiary of the African Free Trade Agreement Area.”

As part of the partnership, drivers will now be able to buy insurance in 90 seconds, complete claims in 3 minutes or less, and get rewarded for good driving and avoiding accidents, powered by ETAP’s game-changing app. Suzuki by CFAO has embedded insurance into the buying process of each car, removing the need for any additional effort to get insured.

Suzuki is one of the top automobile companies in the world by sales volume and one of the fastest-growing automobile companies in Africa. Since its re-introduction to Nigeria in 2019, the brand has been committed to introducing cutting-edge technology and market-leading innovation to the automotive value chain.

This new partnership with ETAP is part of a broader initiative by Suzuki by CFAO to embed more technology solutions into the driving experience, from sales to after-sales, and improve the automotive value proposition for its drivers.

Leveraging ETAP’s “Shared Value Insurance” model, drivers will be able to earn Safe Driving Points that can be exchanged for shopping vouchers for the most in-demand retail outlets, fuel, cinema and concert tickets, and other exciting experiences. There is also a leaderboard where drivers are gamified to maintain positive driving behavior.

Drivers can see how well they are doing compared to other good drivers across the country, based on their Safe Driving Points, and get bragging rights for topping the leaderboard of the safest drivers on the road for the week, month, or all time. 

As part of ETAP’s wider offering, drivers will also have flexible coverage options, including daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual plans depending on their needs. ETAP will also onboard Suzuki repair workshops to the ETAP’s list of partner repair centres for claims repairs and other after-sales services for ETAP users.

Commenting on the partnership, Mrs. Aissatou Diouf, General Manager of Suzuki by CFAO Nigeria, said “we are excited to partner with ETAP to drive the adoption of much-needed insurance for Nigerian drivers. As we expand our footprint across Africa, we want to make sure that drivers do not only enjoy driving our cars but that they also enjoy everything that surrounds that experience. Beyond insurance, we look forward to playing an active role in improving the automotive experience for our drivers”.

Ibraheem Babalola, CEO and Founder of ETAP, said ”This partnership speaks to the shared commitment between ETAP and Suzuki to unlocking better experiences for African drivers. We believe that owning and maintaining a car should be an enjoyable and rewarding experience, and we will continue to explore partnership opportunities and develop solutions to make this a reality for more drivers across the continent”.