Nigeria's roadside mechanics handle billions of vehicles daily, yet most transactions rely on nothing stronger than a handshake and verbal promise. One Abuja car owner learned this harsh reality when their ₦180 million luxury SUV vanished, reportedly sold by the very mechanic entrusted to repair it. From Lagos to Kano, vehicle owners routinely hand over keys worth fortunes to workshops operating without contracts, insurance, or legal accountability, creating a perfect storm for expensive betrayals.
This case proves that in Nigeria's trust-based auto industry, blind faith becomes costly ignorance.
- Smart car owners now demand written repair agreements with clear timelines and photographed vehicle documentation before leaving keys
- GPS tracking devices cost ₦15,000-₦50,000 but provide real-time location monitoring and theft alerts for high-value vehicles
- Comprehensive auto insurance with "bailee coverage" protects against mechanic fraud, though most Nigerian policies exclude this protection
- Licensed auto centers charge 30-50% more than roadside mechanics but provide legal recourse and accountability frameworks
How can Nigeria's auto repair industry maintain affordability while building accountability systems? What role should technology play in protecting both mechanics and car owners?
