Ardova unveils new motor oil to meet demand for affordable lubricants

Ardova Plc on Thursday unveiled a new lubricant product, AP SuperMax Motor Oil, aimed at meeting rising demand for affordable engine oil among users of generators, motorcycles, public transport vehicles and older engines nationwide.

The product was introduced at a ceremony in Lagos attended by industry stakeholders, dealers and distributors.

Ardova, in a statement, said AP SuperMax was developed as a mass-market lubricant, reflecting Nigeria’s prevailing economic conditions where cost, durability and accessibility remain key considerations for consumers.

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Managing Director of Ardova Plc, Dr Abiola Babatunde-Ojo, said the product was designed in response to feedback from consumers seeking quality engine protection at a lower cost.

“The launch of AP SuperMax is a direct response to what we have heard from everyday users across the country who want reliable engine protection without prohibitive costs,” Babatunde-Ojo said.

She said the company identified a gap in the market for lubricants that are affordable for small generator owners, motorcycle riders, transport operators and households that depend on aging engines for daily activities.

“While the AP brand is often associated with premium products, we are equally committed to serving all segments of the market,” she said.

According to her, AP SuperMax combines performance, reliability and affordability, and this allows us to extend quality lubrication to a much wider group of Nigerians.

The General Manager, Lubricant Sales and Marketing, Ardova Plc, Mrs Sade Taiwo, said the product emerged from months of engagement with mechanics, dealers and distributors across mechanic villages and markets nationwide.

“Our discussions revealed a strong and consistent demand for a high-quality but pocket-friendly lubricant, especially for older engines operating under tough conditions,” Taiwo said.

She described AP SuperMax as a monograde motor oil designed for warmer climates, adding that it is classified as API SF/CG and SAE 40.

“The product provides protection against wear, rust and deposits, maintains oil thickness at high temperatures and helps reduce oil consumption in aging engines,” she said.

According to Taiwo, AP SuperMax can be used in cars, buses, taxis, tricycles, motorcycles and generators.

She said the product was available nationwide through AP service stations, NGO-branded stations and accredited distributors, adding that customers can also place orders through digital platforms such as LS One Hub and AP Plus.

“The recommended retail price is ₦3,750 for one litre and ₦13,300 for four litres,” she said.

Also speaking, the Group Executive General Manager, Asset and Project Management, Engr. Ibrahim Bamgbopa, said the product was developed to address structural challenges in Nigeria’s transport and energy sectors.

“In Nigeria, a large number of vehicles and engines are old and operate under difficult economic conditions,” Bamgbopa said.

He said the lack of affordable alternatives has forced some consumers to rely on base oil instead of proper lubricants.

“Many people unknowingly buy base oil believing it is a standard lubricant, and we consider that unacceptable,” he said.

Bamgbopa said Ardova’s infrastructure positions the company to produce and distribute lubricants at scale.

“We have a nationwide retail network, over 650 distribution trucks, multiple terminals and a lubricant blending capacity that has grown from 24 million litres to 150 million litres annually,” he said.

According to him, the company operates automated blending plants and controls its supply chain from production to packaging, ensuring consistent availability of products across the country.