A United States–based Nigerian entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer of Asper Online Auto Auction, Otunba Saheed Ashogbon, has criticised the Federal Government’s silence over his proposal to evacuate abandoned and disused vehicles from Nigerian roads, even as he announced a planned $100 million investment in the country’s online auto auction sector.
Ashogbon disclosed this on Monday at a press conference in Lagos, where he revealed that despite regulatory bottlenecks and logistical challenges, the project has already commenced, with recruitment and interviews currently ongoing.
He said Asper Online Auto Auction plans to introduce a virtual vehicle auction system similar to those operating in the United States, targeting abandoned, disused and privately owned vehicles across Nigeria.
According to him, the company intends to establish its headquarters in Lagos, with operational branches in all 36 states of the federation.
Ashogbon disclosed that internal research by Asper identified over 500,000 abandoned and indiscriminately parked vehicles in Lagos alone, describing the situation as a major contributor to traffic congestion and environmental degradation.
He explained that vehicles listed on the Asper platform would be auctioned on scheduled days rather than displayed for extended periods, noting that auctions would run daily once a minimum of 50 vehicles nationwide is secured. Bidding, he added, would take place between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
The entrepreneur said the initiative would help clear abandoned vehicles from roads, reduce roadside car trading, create thousands of jobs and generate tax revenue for governments at all levels.
On employment generation, Ashogbon disclosed that about 2,500 agents and vehicle inspectors have already been engaged nationwide through an international recruitment platform. He added that while agents and marketers would earn commissions on successfully auctioned vehicles, the company would also employ salaried staff.
He further stated that Asper would adopt simplified communication strategies, including the use of pidgin English, to ensure broad participation, especially among semi-literate individuals.
However, Ashogbon expressed disappointment at what he described as the government’s lack of support for the initiative, particularly in providing land for vehicle impoundment facilities.
He said several letters sent to the Presidency and state governments yielded no positive response.
As a result, he noted that the company has adopted an off-site auction model, allowing vehicles to remain with owners until sold, after which Asper agents would coordinate delivery to buyers.
Despite the challenges, Ashogbon said Asper Online Auto Auction remains committed to transforming vehicle sales in Nigeria, improving road safety and contributing to economic growth.
About The Author
