THE CAR NAIRA BLOG

Is the Government finally buying made-in-Nigeria cars? Well, that's what this could mean. For decades, the Nigerian government has been a big spender on luxury foreign car fleets. We’ve all seen the endless convoys of imported SUVs while our local car manufacturers begged for patronage. However, a change seems to be be coming. The Federal Executive Council recently approved the "Nigeria First" Automotive Policy. Simply, it means government agencies are now legally restricted from buying foreign-made vehicles IF a locally assembled alternative exists. What Exactly is the "Nigeria First" Policy? The policy is a strict economic directive aimed at boosting local production. Instead of sending billions of Naira abroad to import foreign vehicles, the government is mandating its own Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to "look inward." If an MDA needs utility trucks, patrol cars, or official buses, they must buy from verified local assembly plants. H...

Car headrests (more accurately called head restraints) were invented primarily to prevent or reduce neck injuries, especially whiplash, in rear-end collisions.   Head Movement During A Rear Impact The first patent for an automobile headrest was granted in 1921 to Benjamin Katz (from Oakland, California). Early sources credit this invention directly with the goal of preventing whiplash from sudden rear impacts, where the head snaps backward while the torso is thrust forward, although some accounts note that in the early days (especially on luxury cars), padded extensions on seats were added for comfort—allowing drivers or passengers to rest their heads during long drives. However, the safety purpose quickly became the dominant reason. By the mid-1950s–1960s, researchers and engineers recognized the risk of whiplash (a neck strain or sprain from rapid head movement) in rear-end crashes, which were becoming more common as car speeds and traffic increased. Early cars (pre-1960s) o...

For decades, the Nigerian landscape has been dotted with "abandoned monuments", rusted-out Peugeot 504s, smashed-up Danfos, and "Tokunbo" relics that have long since seen their last mile, more often than not, allowed to harmfully degrade the environment. While these vehicles were once the lifeblood of our mobility, they have quietly become an environmental and safety ticking time bomb. As we move into the rest of 2026, the Federal Government, through the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), is hitting the "reset" button. The full implementation of the End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) Policy is no longer just a proposal on a desk in Abuja; it is now a law of the land.  The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) is a parastatal agency of the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment. Formed in May 2014 through the merger of the National Automotive Council (NAC) and the Centre for Automotive Design and De...

For decades, the path to vehicle ownership in Nigeria has been defined by a glaring, systemic paradox. While our roads are filled with some premium vehicles, the infrastructure supporting how these cars are bought remains rigid. Buying a brand-new car typically requires paying 100% of the cash upfront, or subjecting yourself to the crushing double-digit interest rates of traditional commercial banks. This financial bottleneck has forced millions of individuals and corporate entities into a perpetual cycle of buying tokunbo (imported used) vehicles. We accept the underlying compromises viz hidden mechanical flaws, expired safety standards, and unpredictable maintenance costs, simply because the entry barrier for a factory-fresh vehicle is out of reach for most.  However, the tide is definitively turning. At a Q1 Press Conference hosted at the Nord Automobiles Showroom in Lekki, Lagos, indigenous automaker Nord Automobiles Limited formally unveiled Nord Finance. This dedicated automo...

The automotive landscape in Nigeria has changed over the last decade. While the "big" SUVs like the Land Cruiser and Prado remain symbols of status, the reality of urban life viz rising fuel costs, tightening parking spaces, and the need for nimble handling, has birthed a new king: the Compact SUV; the Toyota Urban Cruiser. At its core, the Urban Cruiser is a masterclass in "Badge Engineering," a collaboration between Toyota and Suzuki.  The "Urban Cruiser" nameplate first debuted at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, offering rugged styling and an optional All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system; quite rare for its size.  After a six-year hiatus, Toyota revived the name through a global alliance with Suzuki. This "rebirth" was specifically designed for emerging markets like Nigeria and India. By rebadging the proven Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Toyota was able to offer a reliable, fuel-efficient "sub-compact" SUV that immediately resonated with city drivers lo...

Do you know that you popular oxygen sensor is of two types? They are the  "O2 Sensor" and "Air/Fuel Ratio Sensor" . While they look almost identical, they are definitely not the same.  Installing the wrong one can lead to "check engine" lights, poor fuel economy, or even damage to your vehicle. Here is why these two sensors are the "brain" of your exhaust system.  1. The Standard O2 Sensor: The "Light Switch" The traditional Oxygen (O2) sensor, often called a narrowband sensor, is the old-school industry standard. It acts like a simple on/off switch. It tells the engine computer (ECU) if the exhaust is too rich (too much fuel) or too lean (too much air) (like 15:1 or 0:1) It however cannot tell the computer how much the mixture is off. It just constantly bounces back and forth between rich and lean signals. In other words, it's either a 1 or 0, no in-betweens.  Location: Usually found downstream (after the catalytic converter) to mo...

The ROX 01 is an all-terrain luxury SUV built by to blend rugged off-road capability with a premium family travel experience. Utilizing Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) technology, it delivers a massive combined range without any charging anxiety. It functions as a highly competent overland machine that transforms into a luxury lounge on wheels.  At the recent West African Automotive Show at Lagos' Landmark Centre, I spent some hands-on time exploring the vehicle firsthand. Here is everything I uncovered about its design, performance, and tech. Exterior and Design The ROX 01 adopts a classic, boxy silhouette featuring sharp body lines, a straight roof, and a commanding road presence. It measures 5,050 mm in length, 1,980 mm in width, and 1,869 mm in height, riding on a spacious 3,010 mm wheelbase. The front profile is flanked by sharp LED T-shaped headlights and distinct daytime running lights in what I think is a very clean almost minimalist design approach. It rides on 21-i...