Top 10 Vehicle Assembly Plants In Nigeria And Their Locations

Let’s face it—when most Nigerians think of cars, the first thing that comes to mind is either “Tokunbo,” “foreign used,” or the ever-loyal “first body” vehicles from Europe, America, or Asia. And it’s understandable—we grew up around second-hand imports and feel almost married to them. But guess what? Nigeria isn’t sitting idle when it comes to car production. We actually have a growing number of vehicle assembly plants springing up across the country. Yes o, real cars are being assembled right here in Naija soil!

So, whether you're a patriotic buyer trying to support local industry, an entrepreneur looking to invest in auto manufacturing, or just curious about what’s going on under the hood of Nigeria’s industrial scene, this post is for you.

Let’s cruise through the top 10 vehicle assembly plants in Nigeria and where you can find them.

1. Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) – Umudim, Nnewi, Anambra State

Now if there’s one brand that deserves a standing ovation and a loud “Na our own!” chant, it’s Innoson. This is Nigeria’s first indigenous car manufacturer. That’s not even marketing talk—it’s legit.

Founded by Chief Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma, IVM produces cars, buses, and trucks tailored to Nigerian roads and, let’s be honest, our peculiar weather and power situations. From rugged SUVs to practical commuter buses, they’ve made it clear that "Made in Nigeria" isn’t just about Ankara and pepper soup.

Their factory is located in Nnewi, a town that could very well be the Detroit of Nigeria (but with better jollof).

2. Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN) – Kaduna, Kaduna State

PAN Nigeria is like that uncle who’s been in the business since before you were born. Established in the 1970s, they’ve seen the ups and downs of Nigeria’s auto journey.

Located in Kaduna, PAN assembles Peugeot vehicles for the Nigerian and West African markets. Over the years, they've introduced models like the Peugeot 301, 508, and 5008 to the Nigerian roads. The company has had its share of struggles but is still very much in the race.

And let’s not lie—almost every Nigerian family has had a relative who swore by their Peugeot back in the day.

3. Stallion Group (Hyundai, Honda, Nissan, Volkswagen) – Lagos State

Stallion Group is like the ultimate multitasker of the auto world in Nigeria. Not content with assembling one brand, they handle several—Hyundai, Honda, Nissan, and Volkswagen, all from different facilities under the group.

These assembly plants are located mostly in Lagos, which makes sense since the city is the largest auto market in the country. Whether you’re looking for a compact sedan, an SUV, or even a minibus, Stallion Group probably has something that rolled out of their local facility.

Their plant in VON (Volkswagen of Nigeria) in Lagos is particularly active and represents the hope of reviving the golden days of VW Beetles and Santana in Nigeria.

4. Coscharis Motors Assembly Plant – Awoyaya, Lagos State

Coscharis is a household name in Nigeria, especially when it comes to luxury brands like BMW and Range Rover. But did you know they also run an assembly plant for Ford vehicles?

Located in Awoyaya, Lagos, this facility has been churning out Ford Ranger pick-ups that are tough enough to handle Nigerian roads (and potholes that resemble mini swimming pools). The company has plans to expand into other models and possibly partner with even more global brands.

5. Kia Nigeria Assembly Plant – Lagos State

If you’ve seen a sleek Kia Rio or Cerato zipping through Lagos traffic, chances are it didn’t come all the way from Korea. Kia Nigeria has an assembly plant right here in Lagos that puts together a range of models suited for our market.

This is another example of how foreign brands are seeing Nigeria as more than just a dumping ground for used cars—they’re investing locally, creating jobs, and giving us quality options.

6. Elizade Autoland (JAC Motors) – Lagos State

Elizade is one of those brands that’s been around so long, they’re practically part of the furniture. With their partnership with China’s JAC Motors, Elizade Autoland now assembles vehicles locally at their Lagos facility.

You’ll find JAC trucks, buses, and SUVs being assembled here, and they’re gaining popularity for their affordability and durability—important factors in a country where fuel prices are unpredictable and the roads are often adventurous.

7. Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited (DPAN) – Kaduna State

Yes, you read that right. Aliko Dangote—the richest man in Africa—doesn’t just deal in cement and spaghetti. He also has his foot in the auto industry through a partnership with Peugeot.

DPAN, located in Kaduna, began operations not too long ago and is already pushing out new-generation Peugeot vehicles. This move has been hailed as a step toward reviving the once-dominant PAN and re-establishing Nigeria as a key player in Africa’s automotive sector.

8. Lanre Shittu Motors (LSM) – Lagos State

Lanre Shittu Motors may not sound like your regular flashy brand, but in the commercial vehicle scene, they’re doing real work. They assemble heavy-duty trucks, buses, and some light vehicles at their plant in Lagos.

They’re partners with Chinese brands like JMC (Jiangling Motors) and have carved a niche for themselves in logistics, transport, and public service vehicles.

This is one brand that understands that Nigeria’s transport scene isn’t all about private cars—somebody has to build the big stuff too!

9. GAC Motors Nigeria (CIG Motors) – Lagos State

If you’ve been to government parastatals lately or attended high-profile Nigerian events, you’ve probably seen a GAC vehicle—those large, shiny SUVs that scream “official duty.”

GAC Motors, through its Nigerian representative CIG Motors, is now assembling some of those models locally. Their assembly plant in Lagos is one of the latest to join the party, and they have big dreams of becoming a dominant force in the Nigerian auto space.

10. Boulos Enterprises Ltd – Lagos State

This one might surprise you a bit. Boulos is best known for its motorcycles, and they’ve been assembling Suzuki motorbikes and tricycles (keke) for decades. Located in Lagos, this company plays a critical role in Nigeria’s short-distance transport market.

Their contribution to mobility—especially for students, traders, and low-income earners—can’t be overstated. In many towns and cities, you’re more likely to jump on a Boulos-assembled okada than hop into a luxury SUV. So yes, they’ve earned their seat at the table.

Final Thoughts: Why This Matters

Let’s be honest, Nigeria still has a long way to go before it becomes the Japan or Germany of Africa when it comes to car production. But what we have now is no small feat. These assembly plants are creating jobs, encouraging skill development, reducing our over-reliance on imports, and most importantly, showing that Nigeria can build and sustain large-scale manufacturing projects.

More support from the government, infrastructure improvement, and consistent policies could take this industry even further. So, the next time someone tries to downplay Nigeria’s capabilities, tell them, “Oga, we dey build cars now o!”

And who knows—maybe your next ride won’t be a foreign-used car shipped from overseas. It might just be something proudly assembled in Nnewi, Lagos, or Kaduna.

Now tell me—wouldn’t that be cool?