A group of young entrepreneurs is attempting to reshape how Nigerians buy foreign-used and brand new vehicles through a brokerage platform designed to reduce risk and improve transparency.

MotoVerce, co-founded by Ubochi Samuel, Onwukwe Victor, and Somto Ikeora, operates as an intermediary between buyers and vehicle suppliers. The company focuses on sourcing, inspecting and delivering vehicles to customers, particularly within the foreign-used, or “Tokunbo,” segment of the market.

Samuel, who serves as chief executive officer, said the idea for the platform was influenced by recurring challenges faced by car buyers in Nigeria, including limited transparency, hidden vehicle defects and the risk of dealing with unverified sellers.

“The gap between what buyers expect and what the market provides is quite wide,” he said, noting that many purchases are often made with incomplete information about vehicle condition or history.

MotoVerce positions itself as a brokerage service rather than a traditional dealership. According to the founders, the platform is designed to handle the process from sourcing to delivery, including inspections, documentation checks and price negotiation on behalf of clients.

The company said each vehicle undergoes a structured inspection process that covers mechanical systems, body condition and documentation. Road testing and verification of ownership records are also part of the process. Vehicles that do not meet set standards are typically not recommended to buyers.

Industry observers note that the Nigerian used car market remains highly active but continues to face trust-related concerns. Issues such as mileage tampering, undisclosed accident history and unclear documentation have been cited as common challenges.

MotoVerce’s model aims to address these concerns by introducing more structured processes. The founders said they rely on a network of independent technicians and partners to carry out inspections, while also providing detailed reports to clients before purchase decisions are made.

The company primarily targets professionals and middle-income earners who may not have the time or technical knowledge to navigate the car market independently. Samuel explained that the focus is on helping buyers make informed decisions rather than simply offering the lowest prices.

“Affordability is important, but value is more important,” he said. “Many low-cost vehicles end up costing more over time due to repairs and hidden issues.”

Like many startups operating in Nigeria’s automotive sector, MotoVerce has faced early challenges, particularly around building trust in a market where buyers are often cautious. The founders said they addressed this by maintaining detailed communication with clients and relying on referrals from early users.

Operational challenges, including sourcing vehicles, managing logistics and maintaining quality control across different locations, have also required ongoing adjustments as the business grows.

Looking ahead, MotoVerce plans to expand its presence beyond its current base by building inspection and logistics networks in major cities such as Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano and Enugu. The company is also working toward strengthening its digital platform to allow users to access vehicle information, track inspections and complete parts of the process online.

The founders said their long-term goal is to create a more structured and reliable system for car buying in Nigeria, while gradually expanding into related services such as financing, insurance and after-sales support.

As Nigeria’s automotive market continues to grow, initiatives such as MotoVerce reflect a broader shift toward more organised, technology-supported approaches to vehicle transactions.