By Providence Ayanfeoluwa

Indigenous engine oil manufacturer, Bolt Super Lubricant, has attributed it growth to a commitment to quality, local relevance, and expanding distribution across key regions, saying it is steadily carving a niche in Nigeria’s competitive lubricant industry.

Backed by Sochi Energy, the firm is a fully Nigerian-owned company with a blending plant in Mowe, Ogun State.

Speaking at the ongoing West Africa Automotive Show in Lagos, the company’s Head of Operations, Mrs Amaka Ogbuagu, highlighted Bolt’s mission to address quality gaps in the market.

She noted that many motorists using imported oils experience rapid oil degradation during medium-range trips

Ogbuagu said: “Bolt is a Nigerian oil – an indigenous lubricant made here in Nigeria. What sets it apart is its high viscosity and detergent properties, which help prevent rust and slow the blackening of engine oil.

“With Bolt, you fill your car, drive from Lagos to Benin and back, and the oil remains intact — no rust, no excessive blackening”, she said.

She explained that although the brand shares its name with the global ride-hailing company, however, there is currently no affiliation. “The name ‘Bolt’ symbolises speed and strength — like a lightning bolt,” she clarified.

On his part, Bolt’s Marketing Manager, Mr Chinagozim Onuoha, revealed that the product is now available in Lagos, Abuja, Anambra, Enugu, Delta, and more recently, Plateau State.

He said that the company offers a wide range of lubricants tailored for petrol, diesel, industrial, and two-stroke engines. These include SAE 40, 20W50, 15W40 CF-4 and CI-4, 85W90, 85W140, ATF Dexron II and III, Hydraulic 68, among others. According to Onuoha, the company is also working with transport operators, bonded terminals, and logistics firms to expand its reach.

Onuoha addressed the threat of counterfeit products, stating that Bolt’s computerised, coded packaging is designed to deter fake versions.

He acknowledged the challenge of competing in a price-sensitive market but stressed that consumer education is key.

“In some markets where we have solid distribution, Bolt controls up to 70 percent share, in others, we hold about 40 percent. Once customers understand the risks of low-quality oil, they switch to Bolt,” he said.

Looking ahead, Bolt executives are optimistic about the company’s future. Plans are underway to expand into other West African countries, with Onuoha expressing confidence that Bolt is on course to becoming a dominant player in the region’s lubricant sector. “Many brands come and go, but Bolt is here to stay,” he said.