By Nnamdi Ojiego

Chief Executive Officer of Asper Auto Auction Nigeria Limited, Otunba Saheed Ashogbon, has announced the launch of what he described as Africa’s first fully online auto auction platform, a move he said will create no fewer than 2,500 jobs nationwide and reshape how vehicles are bought and sold in Nigeria.

Ashogbon made this known during a media interaction to mark the official launch of the Asper platform, which allows vehicle owners and buyers to auction cars entirely online, without physical presence.

According to him, the platform, which went live last week, enables Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to list, inspect, and bid for vehicles using mobile phones, tablets, or computers from anywhere in the world.

“We are live now. Anyone with internet access can use Asper, whether they are in Lagos, Sokoto, Maiduguri, the United States, Europe, or anywhere else,” he said.

Ashogbon explained that the idea was inspired by his years in the United States and his exposure to Copart, a global virtual auto auction company. He said Copart’s success showed how technology could eliminate the risks, cost, and inconvenience associated with physical auctions.

He added that Asper was created to solve long-standing challenges in Nigeria’s auto market, where sellers often struggle to reach the right buyers and vehicles are confined to limited locations.

“What we are building is a marketplace where someone in Lekki can see and buy a car in Isolo, or someone abroad can bid for a vehicle in Nigeria,” he said.

Beyond easing vehicle transactions, Ashogbon said Asper is structured to generate employment across the country. He disclosed that the company has already recruited about 2,500 agents and car inspectors nationwide, drawn from states across the North, South, East, and West.

He explained that these agents and inspectors, engaged through a nationwide recruitment drive, will earn income by onboarding vehicles, inspecting them, and ensuring successful handover to buyers after auctions are concluded.

“This platform will create jobs and make money for Nigerians,” he said. “Our agents earn commissions on every successful sale, while marketers are on salary plus commission. It is a win-win.”

Ashogbon noted that unlike classified platforms where sellers pay recurring fees to advertise vehicles, Asper operates a scheduled auction system. Vehicles are listed and auctioned on set days, with bidding running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., as the company builds volume nationwide.

On transparency, he assured buyers that all vehicles would be clearly labeled according to their condition, following international auction standards. Cars will be described as drivable, start-only, enhanced for appearance, or non-functional, with all defects disclosed upfront.

He also addressed delays in launching the platform, attributing them to repeated revisions of the website to meet required standards, as well as the lack of government support in securing land for centralized auction yards. As a result, Asper is currently operating an off-site model, where vehicles remain with their owners until sold.

Despite these challenges, Ashogbon said the company remains focused on growth, innovation, and trust-building. He added that Asper has strengthened its cybersecurity framework following early hacking attempts.

Ashogbon, a member of the Certified Institute of Auctioneers of Nigeria, said the platform is open to collaboration but will continue independently for now.

“When people see how this works, they will understand the value,” he said.