Motoring World at 30: Publisher Calls for Data Transparency, Open Access in Nigeria’s Auto Industry

Bennett Oghifo 

As part of activities marking its 30th Anniversary, Motoring World has called for urgent reforms to address the persistent lack of data transparency and restricted media access in Nigeria’s automotive industry.

Speaking ahead of the milestone celebration scheduled for June 4, the Publisher of Motoring World magazine and Chief Executive Officer of Motoring World Communications Limited, Femi Owoeye, said the growth and global competitiveness of Nigeria’s auto sector are being undermined by limited access to credible and timely information.

“For three decades, Motoring World has documented the evolution of Nigeria’s automotive industry. However, one major challenge has remained constant, the scarcity of reliable data and the culture of restricted access to information,” Owoeye stated.

He noted that unlike more transparent markets such as South Africa, where industry-wide sales figures are published regularly, Nigeria’s auto ecosystem operates largely without publicly available performance data.

“Automobile companies, franchise holders, and dealers continue to treat sales figures as confidential, often citing competitive reasons. While this may appear strategic, it ultimately limits industry visibility, weakens investor confidence, and undermines informed decision-making,” he added.

Owoeye also expressed concern over the role of key institutions, including the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), whose automotive-related data releases are often delayed and limited in scope.

“As of the end of April 2026, first-quarter data is yet to be released. Meanwhile, there is no comprehensive reporting on local vehicle production or sales. This creates a significant gap for journalists, analysts, and policymakers,” he said.

He further highlighted the issue of selective media access, noting that not all motoring journalists, including members of the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association, are invited to key press briefings and industry engagements.

“This has resulted in a two-tier information system, where some journalists have direct access while others rely solely on press releases. That is not healthy for journalism or for the industry,” Owoeye stressed.

According to him, the consequences of these challenges extend beyond the media, affecting consumers, investors, and the broader automotive ecosystem.

“Without credible data and inclusive access, journalism becomes speculative, consumers remain uninformed, investors grow cautious, and policymakers operate with limited insight. Ultimately, the industry itself loses opportunities for growth and global relevance,” he said.

He urged stakeholders, including the Nigeria Automobile Manufacturers Association (NAMA), to establish a framework for periodic publication of industry data, while calling on the Federal Government of Nigeria to incentivize transparency through policy measures.

“We believe that transparency is not a threat to competition; it is a catalyst for growth. The future of Nigeria’s automotive industry depends on how well we embrace openness, accountability, and collaboration,” Owoeye concluded.

Motoring World’s 30th Anniversary celebration, which has already attracted the backing of leading auto industry stakeholders as well as government functionaries, is expected to bring together key stakeholders from across the automotive value chain, including manufacturers, assemblers, policymakers, and industry experts.