Nigeria Automotive Lubricants Market By Vehicle Type (Passenger Car, Two Wheeler, LCV, M&HCV & Tractors), By Lubricant Type (Engine Oil, Gear Oil, Grease & Others), By Base Oil, By Demand Category, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2013 – 2023
Published Date: May - 2025 | Publisher: MIR | No of Pages: 320 | Industry: Automotive | Format: Report available in PDF / Excel Format
View Details Buy Now 2890 Download Sample Ask for Discount Request Customization
Download Sample Ask for Discount Request Customization
The Nigeria Automotive Lubricants Market was worth USD 671.89 Million in 2024 and is anticipated to grow to USD 804.61 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of 3.05% over the forecast period.
The Nigeria automotive lubricants market is witnessing tremendous change, driven by an expanding vehicle population and rising consumer awareness regarding the importance of regular vehicle maintenance. The growing adoption of passenger and commercial vehicles in urban and semi-urban locations is driving demand for engine oils, transmission fluids, and greases. With growing awareness about vehicle maintenance and the benefits of high-performance lubricants, customers are moving away from conventional towards synthetic and semi-synthetic products. Growing numbers of auto servicing centers, independent garages, and quick lube outlets are also supporting lubricant consumption. Such media provide convenience and recommendations that determine lubricant selections by vehicle owners.
Technological developments in engine design and performance are stimulating premium-grade lubricant use. Engines designed in more recent times are tighter-tolerance, demanding better thermal stability, wear protection, and viscosity from lubricants. This change is compelling lubricant makers to spend on product innovation, providing products customized to different engines and driving conditions. The market is also experiencing a rise in demand for environment-friendly and longer-drain interval lubricants, which reduce the frequency of oil changes and generate less waste. Trends such as private label brand expansion, rising online sales of lubricants, and the bundling of maintenance services with oil changes are shaping consumer buying behavior and encouraging repeat purchases.
Despite the positive outlook, the market faces several challenges. Fake lubricant products continue to be a nagging problem, causing damage to engines and erosion of confidence in the more obscure brands. Sensitivity to prices among a majority of car owners also restricts the take-up of premium synthetic lubricants. Irregular availability of products and inefficiencies in the distribution of products in rural markets hurt reach and growth prospects. Market fragmentation with a high number of unorganized players exerts pressure on prices and reduces brand loyalty. Educating vehicle owners and mechanics on the value of quality lubricants is necessary to maintain market momentum. These challenges need to be overcome by strong quality assurance programs, dealer training, and efficient supply chains for long-term success.
Key Market Challenges
Prevalence of Counterfeit and Substandard Lubricant Products
The widespread circulation of counterfeit and low-quality lubricants presents a significant challenge for genuine lubricant manufacturers and consumers. These substandard products often mimic branded packaging but fail to meet essential performance specifications, leading to engine damage, reduced fuel efficiency, and mechanical breakdowns. Consumers unaware of the risks associated with counterfeit oils may unknowingly choose these cheaper alternatives. The presence of these products in local markets undermines trust in lubricant brands, reduces the effectiveness of marketing efforts, and damages consumer loyalty. Tackling this issue requires robust enforcement of quality standards, increased awareness campaigns, and investment in anti-counterfeit packaging technologies to safeguard brand reputation and consumer safety.
High Price Sensitivity Among Consumers
Automotive lubricant buyers in price-sensitive markets often prioritize upfront costs over long-term engine health benefits. Many vehicle owners opt for cheaper mineral oils or even used oils to reduce maintenance costs, especially in lower-income segments and among small-scale commercial drivers. This limits the adoption of high-performance synthetic or semi-synthetic lubricants, even though these offer better protection and extended drain intervals. Manufacturers face difficulties positioning premium products when buyers are unwilling or unable to pay higher prices. Overcoming this challenge requires educating consumers on total cost of ownership and highlighting the durability and efficiency benefits of using quality lubricants.
Inadequate Distribution and Retail Infrastructure
Efficient distribution is vital to ensure lubricant availability across all geographic segments. However, the lubricant supply chain often suffers from inconsistencies in stock availability, delayed deliveries, and insufficient penetration into remote and underserved areas. Retail outlets in smaller towns may lack the storage capacity or demand volume to maintain adequate inventories of diverse lubricant grades and brands. These logistical inefficiencies result in product shortages, lost sales opportunities, and reduced market share for established manufacturers. Improving this situation demands collaboration with third-party logistics providers, the use of digital inventory management systems, and the development of micro-distribution networks tailored to fragmented markets.
Limited Mechanic Training and Product Knowledge
Mechanics play a pivotal role in influencing lubricant purchases, especially for vehicle owners who rely heavily on their recommendations. However, many mechanics lack formal training or updated product knowledge, which leads to the use of inappropriate or mismatched lubricants. This misapplication can damage engines, reduce lubricant effectiveness, and cause dissatisfaction among consumers. Without consistent education and engagement programs, manufacturers struggle to ensure the correct use of their products. Bridging this knowledge gap through mechanic certification programs, mobile training units, and technical support materials can enhance product trust and promote responsible lubricant usage across service points.
Fragmented Market Structure With Unorganized Players
The lubricants market is fragmented with numerous small-scale, unregistered, or informal operators that often undercut prices or sell diluted products. These players typically lack compliance with quality regulations and compete solely on cost, exerting pressure on established brands to reduce prices. Such fragmentation makes it difficult for consumers to distinguish between quality and inferior offerings. It also complicates market forecasting and brand building for large-scale manufacturers. Addressing this requires stricter regulatory oversight, certification requirements, and incentives for informal players to transition into the formal economy, thus supporting a more structured and quality-focused lubricant market.
Segmental Insights
Product Type Insights
In 2024, engine oils continue to dominate the Nigeria automotive lubricants market, driven by their critical role in routine vehicle maintenance and their high consumption volume across both commercial and private vehicle segments. Engine oils are essential for reducing friction, preventing wear and tear, and maintaining engine temperature. Their recurring usage requirement makes them the most frequently replaced lubricant in all vehicle categories. With a growing number of vehicles on Nigerian roads and increased awareness about regular oil changes, engine oil demand remains consistent and significantly higher than other lubricant types.
Commercial fleets, including buses, trucks, and delivery vans, are major consumers of engine oils due to their high mileage and rigorous operating conditions. These vehicles require frequent servicing, and engine oil changes form a key component of maintenance cycles. Even among private car owners, there is an increased understanding of how engine oil quality affects fuel efficiency and engine performance, prompting more regular oil replacements. Service centers, quick lube outlets, and local workshops across urban and semi-urban areas prioritize engine oils during routine vehicle check-ups, reinforcing their top-selling position within the lubricant product mix.
Engine oils are also favored due to their broad applicability across different vehicle types and engine technologies. Whether petrol or diesel engines, conventional or high-performance models, engine oils are the first line of defense against engine degradation. Their importance is amplified by extreme weather conditions and challenging road environments, which increase engine strain and heighten the necessity for dependable lubrication. The development and availability of synthetic and semi-synthetic engine oil variants have further increased consumer interest. These advanced formulations offer longer drain intervals, higher thermal stability, and better protection, making them attractive even to price-sensitive users.
The high frequency of oil changes, strong mechanic endorsement, and regulatory emphasis on engine upkeep continue to place engine oils ahead of other segments like transmission fluids, hydraulic fluids, greases, and gear oils. While those categories have their specific applications, none match the sheer volume and frequency of use that engine oils demand. Their pivotal role in preserving engine health and extending vehicle life ensures that engine oils will remain the leading segment in Nigeria’s automotive lubricant market through 2024 and into the foreseeable future.
Download Sample Ask for Discount Request Customization
Region Insights
In 2024, the Southwest region remains the dominant market for automotive lubricants in Nigeria, driven by its high vehicle density, expansive transportation network, and concentration of urban centers. The region includes major metropolitan areas with a large population of private vehicle owners, commercial transport operators, and fleet service providers. This translates into a consistent and high-volume demand for automotive lubricants, especially engine oils, transmission fluids, and greases used in both routine and heavy-duty vehicle maintenance.
The extensive presence of vehicle repair workshops, mechanic clusters, and modern service centers throughout the Southwest supports a structured lubricant distribution and retail ecosystem. With well-established logistics infrastructure and proximity to key ports and warehouses, the supply of lubricants across cities and towns within the region is efficient and reliable. This accessibility enhances product availability and supports a broad range of offerings tailored to different vehicle types, from sedans and SUVs to motorcycles and commercial trucks. The convenience of sourcing authentic products in this region encourages frequent oil changes and adherence to recommended servicing intervals.
Consumer awareness about vehicle maintenance practices is relatively high in the Southwest, partly due to better exposure to technical information, marketing campaigns, and mechanic-led recommendations. This results in increased usage of higher-grade synthetic and semi-synthetic lubricants, especially among private vehicle owners and corporate fleets seeking improved engine performance and longer drain intervals. The large number of ride-hailing vehicles, intercity transport operators, and logistics firms operating in and around major cities creates a recurring demand cycle that reinforces the region’s dominance in lubricant consumption.
The Southwest also benefits from a higher level of mechanic expertise and training access, contributing to more accurate application of lubricants and greater trust in branded products. With consistent vehicular traffic and commercial activity, the region experiences faster lubricant turnover compared to other parts of the country. Quick lube service stations and branded auto shops cater to both premium and economy customers, capturing demand across all income levels. These structural advantages, combined with favorable demographic and economic conditions, cement the Southwest's position as the most influential and high-performing region in the Nigerian automotive lubricants market for 2024.
Recent Developments
- In 2023, ​Honda has introduced its India-manufactured Unicorn 160 motorcycle to the Nigerian market, priced at NGN 1,400,000 (approximately USD 3100). This pricing is notably higher than in India, attributed to import duties and logistical costs. The Unicorn 160 features a 162cc single-cylinder engine delivering 12.7 bhp and 14 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. ​
- In 2024, LOXEA, a subsidiary of CFAO Mobility, has launched BYD electric vehicles in Nigeria, introducing the BYD Atto 3 and BYD Dolphin models. The company aims to promote sustainable transportation by offering electric vehicles and establishing charging infrastructure. A new showroom and Nigeria’s first BYD charging station will be opened in Lagos to support the initiative. This move reflects LOXEA's commitment to driving the adoption of electric mobility in Nigeria.
- ​In 2025, Dangote Industries has launched the locally assembled Peugeot 3008 GT at its Kaduna plant, featuring a 1.6L turbo engine. This addition expands Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited's (DPAN) lineup, which includes the Landtrek pickup, 3008, 5008, and the latest 508 models. The assembly plant, a joint venture with Stellantis Group, the Kano and Kaduna state governments, and Dangote Industries, has a daily capacity of 120 vehicles.
Download Sample Ask for Discount Request Customization
Key Market Players
- Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPN)
- Chevron Nigeria Limited (Forte Oil Plc)
- Oando Marketing Ltd
- MRS Oil Nigeria Plc
- Grand Petroleum and Chemicals Limited
- Ammasco International Limited
- Shell Petroleum Development Company
- TOTAL Nigeria Plc
- Castrol Limited (Eterna Plc)
- Techno Oil Ltd.
Years Considered for this Report
Historical Years2013 – 2016
Base Year2017
Estimated Year2018
Forecast Period2019 – 2023
Objective of the Study
- The primary objective of the study is to evaluate and forecast the automotive lubricants market in Nigeria, in terms of value and volume.
- To categorize the market on the basis of vehicle type, lubricant type, demand category, base oil and region.
- To understand major policies and regulations which can positively or negatively impact Nigeria automotive lubricants market.
- To identify major drivers, challenges and trends in Nigeria automotive lubricants market.
- To identify and profile major companies operating in Nigeria automotive lubricants market.
Some of the major players operating in Nigeria automotive lubricants market are Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPN), Oando Marketing Ltd, MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, Chevron Nigeria Limited (Forte Oil Plc), Grand Petroleum and Chemicals Limited, Ammasco International Limited, Shell Petroleum Development Company, TOTAL Nigeria Plc, Castrol Limited (Eterna Plc), Techno Oil Ltd, etc.
To extract data for Nigeria automotive lubricants market, primary research surveys were conducted with automotive lubricant manufacturers and end users. Moreover, Market Insights Research has analyzed various end use sectors and speculated a positive outlook for Nigeria automotive lubricants market in the coming years. Taking into consideration emerging trends in the development of engine technology, ability of materials to enhance the efficiency of the vehicle and advent of the concept of electric vehicles and synthetic base oil lubricants, our team of analysts has speculated a positive future for Nigeria automotive lubricants market.
Market Insights Research calculated the Nigeria automotive lubricants market size using a bottom-up approach, wherein companies’ value sales data for base oil (Synthetic Oil, Semi-Synthetic Oil and Mineral Oil) was recorded and forecast for the future years. Market Insights Research sourced these values from industry experts and company representatives and externally validated through analyzing historical sales data of respective companies to arrive at the overall market size. Various secondary sources such as company websites, association reports, annual reports,
Key Target Audience
- Automotive lubricants manufacturers and other stakeholders
- Major end users of automotive lubricant products
- Organizations, forums and alliances related to automotive lubricant products
- Government bodies such as regulating authorities and policy makers
- Market research and consulting firms
Related Reports
FAQ'S
For a single, multi and corporate client license, the report will be available in PDF format. Sample report would be given you in excel format. For more questions please contact:
Within 24 to 48 hrs.
You can contact Sales team (sales@marketinsightsresearch.com) and they will direct you on email
You can order a report by selecting payment methods, which is bank wire or online payment through any Debit/Credit card, Razor pay or PayPal.
Discounts are available.
Hard Copy