Industry experts have underscored the importance of tackling the current influx of substandard spare parts in the Nigerian automobile sector.
According to the experts, counterfeit components not only compromise vehicle safety but also erode consumer confidence in the authenticity of automotive products.
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria reports that 95 per cent of auto spare parts imported into the country do not meet the minimum acceptable standard.
The Chairman of Automedics Motor International, Yusuf Adah, told The PUNCH that the issue remained critical to the sector, blaming the influx of substandard vehicle spare parts on dealers and importers.
According to Adah, unscrupulous elements within the industry lack commitment to excellence and integrity, making it a herculean task to fight the problem head-on.
Adah stressed the importance of Original Equipment Manufacturers, noting that while they may be pricier, they prove their worth by standing the test of time.
He stated, “Car owners have several options to choose from. But it is very easy to differentiate between OEM and substandard spare parts.
“Fighting the menace remains a top priority even though it is almost looking as if it’s impossible to combat.”
Additionally, Adah decried the lack of customer satisfaction and the shortage of skilled talents in the automobile industry.
According to him, these challenges require collective efforts to address and improve the overall health of the Nigerian auto sector.
Also, in an exclusive chat with The PUNCH, the Chief Operating Officer of Fixit45, Pankaj Bohhra, said, “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.
“The quality of parts that will be used by our workshops will ensure that the vehicle’s lifetime value can last longer. It helps workshops to improve efficiency in terms of how they work and claims reduction.”
He also mentioned skill gaps among automotive professionals, subpar repair, and limited access to essential infrastructure as some of the challenges plaguing the sector.
The Nigeria Customs Service, a key agency responsible for overseeing imports and exports, had stressed the need for collaboration among stakeholders to curb smuggling which had given rise to the influx of counterfeit automotive spare parts into the country.
In a document 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 agency points out the formidable obstacles encountered in curbing smuggling.
