Russia has expressed interest in collaborating with Nigeria to develop the country's automotive industry, a move that could create opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the value chain.
Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podelyshev, said in Abuja that the partnership would align with Nigeria's National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) and Moscow's strategy to deepen trade with Africa.
He noted that cooperation could include the supply and joint assembly of Russian passenger cars and trucks in Nigeria, but stressed that reliable logistics routes were essential for success.
Industry analysts say such a deal could significantly benefit Nigerian SMEs in vehicle assembly, spare parts, logistics, after-sales services, and technical training. With Nigeria's annual vehicle demand at 720,000 units compared to just 14,000 locally produced, the gap represents a major market opportunity.
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Already, AvtoVAZ, Russia's largest automaker, plans to set up a spare parts hub and service centre at the Lekki Free Trade Zone before the end of 2025. The project is expected to attract over $200 million in FDI and create more than 10,000 direct and indirect jobs, while opening up supply opportunities for local SMEs.
Analysts also point to the potential for collaboration between Russian firms and indigenous automakers like Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing and Nord Motors, which could help reduce Nigeria's $8 billion annual vehicle import bill and strengthen local expertise.
The envoy added that Nigeria already enjoys preferential customs duty rates under the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), providing a legal and trade framework that SMEs could leverage to enter regional value chains.
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