Message From the Chairman - February

 Maintenance of existing road network in-country and in the region has remained critical to facilitate mobility for economic prosperity. This is why various governments in the region continue to increase budget allocation for maintenance and network expansion. In Nigeria for instance, only about 38%of its road network is paved although efforts are in place to reverse the trend.

Recently, government indicated the willingness to limit load capacities of certain categories of haulage vehicles to reduce accidents and casualties on the roads. Secondly, causes of accidents was also noted to include poorly maintained automobiles plying these roads. The need for enhanced sector capacity to provide necessary services  to meet increase demand for repair and maintenance was recently highlighted. The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) kicked off a national mechatronic and heavy duty vehicle repair and maintenance programme. Alongside this programme, the need for the supply of quality automotive   parts and components were noted as  urgent under these circumstances.

BtoB Events Marketing company, organiser of WAAS  is committed to grow the number of new exhibitors with proven quality parts this year, May 2025, to complement governments effort. The Electric vehicles space in Nigeria received a boost during the month with the entry of BYD EVs . WAAS hopes to invite BYD Nigeria to facilitate exposure to Nigeria motoring public. Other companies, including National Trucks Manufacturing company (NTM), Kano, have EV projects on cue. WAAS anticipate that these EV companies will encourage their traditional components and parts suppliers, and even infrastructure companies, to  exhibit at WAAS 25. 

Luqman Mamudu

Automotive Industry Expert and WAAS Conference Chairman