In a country where the automotive sector grapples with numerous challenges, Victor Esiemokhai has carved a niche for himself through innovation and dedication. As the founder and managing director of Vonos Automotive Engineering Limited, Esiemokhai has transitioned from a successful career abroad to spearheading an ambitious venture that aims to revolutionise the automotive repair industry in Nigeria.
With a professional journey that began at Oceanic Bank, followed by roles with the Qatar Ministry of Works and Housing, and Shell Petroleum, Victor Esiemokhai’s career path is a testament to his versatility and vision. During his tenure with Shell, Esiemokhai was deeply involved in the automotive trade, importing cars from the United States to Nigeria. It was this experience that sparked his interest in the automotive industry and highlighted the gap between his expectations for vehicle perfection and the local repair standards.
“I discovered that the mechanics and painters available couldn’t meet the standards I desired for my cars,” Esiemokhai explains. “So, I started a small auto painting workshop to address this issue. Over time, this evolved into what is now Vonos Automotive Engineering Limited.
Esiemokhai’s passion for cars and commitment to quality set the foundation for Vonos. His fascination with automotive excellence grew as he observed the durability of vehicles abroad compared to those in Nigeria. He recognised that issues such as poor road conditions, prevalence of counterfeit spare parts and a lack of maintenance culture were major contributors to frequent vehicle breakdowns and the shorter lifespan of vehicles in Nigeria. He emphasises the importance of regular maintenance and using quality parts to extend the lifespan of vehicles.
According to him, “My wife and I were living in the United States, where we discovered that cars can drive for a long time without damage, and it is highly sustainable. I know there are a couple of factors that make cars easily get spoiled compared to abroad, such as the roads and our maintenance culture. And again, when I was working in the oil and gas company, whenever equipment is installed, it can last for a long time before turnaround maintenance. So I wondered why the cars we drive in Nigeria don’t last long after repair or develop lots of issues. My initial goal was to set up a company that I could manage remotely while working abroad, but I realised that the people I entrusted with my vision did not share my drive for customer satisfaction. I decided to focus fully on Vonos, driven not by profit but by a commitment to delivering top-notch service to Nigerians,” he recounted.
Since its registration in 2016, Vonos has faced its share of economic challenges. The company officially launched its auto repair division in January 2022, after initial operations in car sales. Despite economic headwinds and a challenging business climate, Esiemokhai’s passion and dedication have sustained the company afloat.
“Passion and what we want to deliver to the people are what drive us. It was challenging because my passion is bringing standard equipment and quality spare parts. But another challenge is that the technicians to do the installation are not knowledgeable? I discovered numerous challenges with our technicians, so I came up with the idea of setting up a school where we train technicians every week”, he explained.
Esiemokhai is critical of the federal government’s support for the automotive sector, citing a lack of infrastructure and inadequate support for training and development. He also expresses frustration with the high cost of importation due to foreign exchange rates and customs duties.
He opined that despite the government’s automobile domestication policy, there is still a lack of infrastructure and support for businesses like theirs“. Foreign exchange fluctuations and high customs duties add to our challenges, making it difficult to keep costs manageable.
Read Also: Rubber Export Propels Okomu Oil Palm Earnings’ Growth
Vonos Automotive Engineering offers vehicle upgrades, focusing on enhancing the appearance and functionality of older models without altering their brand identity. Esiemokhai emphasises that upgrades should be done within legal and ethical boundaries to avoid potential issues.
“We upgrade vehicles effectively, but we ensure that any modifications are in line with legal requirements,” he said. “For instance, we can upgrade a 2005 Toyota Hilux to a 2018 model’s look, but we don’t alter the brand.”
Esiemokhai remains committed to his vision of transforming Nigeria’s automotive industry. He believes that addressing corruption, improving infrastructure, and fostering a culture of a genuine work ethic are crucial for the country’s development.
“There are many ways to fight corruption. I have worked for big organisations and I know that corruption can be fought effectively if only the people we elect take it seriously, and are willing”, he stated.
Despite the difficulties of running a flourishing business in Nigeria, Esiemokhai is determined to be among the best. “At Vonos, we have taken the bull by the horns. We want to ensure that we meet customers’ satisfaction and we are not relenting in importing or bringing in spare parts that will match every customer’s car to the best quality”.
Victor Esiemokhai’s journey from banking and oil to automotive engineering is a story of passion, perseverance, and innovation. Through Vonos Automotive Engineering Limited, he is not only addressing the challenges of Nigeria’s automotive sector but also setting new standards for quality and service. As Esiemokhai continues to drive his vision forward, his commitment to excellence offers hope for a brighter future in Nigeria’s automotive industry.
Comments are closed.