Experts in the field have emphasized the significance of addressing the present influx of subpar spare parts in the Nigerian automotive industry.
The Punch reported that experts claimed that fake parts undermine consumer confidence in the reliability of automotive equipment as well as vehicle safety.
According to the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, 95% of the imported car parts do not satisfy the minimally acceptable criteria.
The chairman of Automedics Motor International, Yusuf Adah, stated that the issue remained crucial to the industry and that dealers and importers were to blame for the influx of subpar auto components.
Adah claimed that dishonest elements inside the sector lack a commitment to excellence and honesty, making it difficult to combat their actions.
Adah emphasised the significance of Original Equipment Manufacturers, pointing out that despite their higher cost, they have proven their value over time.
“Car owners have a variety of options to choose from,” he said. However it is fairly simple to distinguish between genuine OEM parts and inferior replacement ones.
“Even if it almost seems impossible to stop the threat, doing so remains a high concern.”
Adah also bemoaned the lack of consumer satisfaction and the lack of qualified workers in the automotive sector.
He asserted that in order to address and enhance the overall health of the Nigerian auto sector, it is necessary to make concerted efforts.
The Chief Operating Officer of Fixit45, Pankaj Bohhra, also stated in an exclusive interview that “from our experience, we have seen the challenges with the quality of work done, and the big pain point there has got to do with the right spare parts – availability, pricing, and sourcing.”
“Our workshops’ usage of high-quality parts will guarantee that the vehicle’s lifespan can last longer. It aids in the efficiency improvement of workshops in terms of operations and claims reduction.
In addition, he listed some of the issues affecting the industry, including poor repairs, a lack of access to necessary infrastructure, and skill gaps among automotive specialists.
In order to stop smuggling, which had led to the influx of fake automotive parts into the country, stakeholders needed to work together, according to the Nigeria Customs Service, a major body in charge of supervising imports and exports.
In a report titled “Enhancing the Role of Nigeria Customs Service and Fostering Collaborative Efforts with Stakeholders to Prevent the Inflow of Substandard or Counterfeit Spare Parts,” the organisation highlights the significant challenges faced in stopping smuggling.
