Auto Revolution Takes Centre Stage as NADDC, FRSC Bosses Lead Star-Studded NAJA Awards
Bennett Oghifo
The Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Chief Joseph Oluwemimo Osanipin, and the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, have confirmed their participation at this year’s Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) International Auto Awards, billed for 6pm on Tuesday, December 16, at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Their attendance underscores the strategic importance of the annual awards—widely regarded as Nigeria’s most credible and prestigious platform for celebrating excellence, innovation and industry leadership in the automotive sector.
Osanipin, a leading voice in Nigeria’s push for stronger local vehicle assembly and electric mobility adoption, is expected to shed light on the Council’s long-term vision for the nation’s automotive future.
At the recently concluded Abuja International Motor Fair, he assured a NAJA delegation led by Chairman Theodore Opara that he would not only attend but take active part in the ceremony.
In a similar vein, the FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, has also confirmed his intention to attend the event.
He conveyed this through a brief message to the NAJA chairman, expressing excitement about engaging industry stakeholders and reinforcing ongoing road safety advocacy.
This year’s edition is expected to gather automakers, distributors, policymakers, and mobility experts at a time the sector is undergoing rapid transformation driven by new technologies, sustainability goals and policy shifts.
Chairman of the Award Planning Committee, Frank Kintum, said preparations were in full swing to maintain the awards’ reputation as the “industry’s gold standard.”
“The NAJA Awards have become the benchmark for honouring brands, organizations, and individuals who demonstrate innovation, integrity, and excellence in advancing Nigeria’s automotive ecosystem.
“This year will spotlight progress in local manufacturing, green mobility and policy development,” Kintum said.
Reinforcing the awards’ national relevance, NAJA Chairman Opara noted that the event aligns closely with the Federal Government’s industrialisation agenda.
“As the automotive sector evolves, NAJA remains committed to supporting initiatives that drive sustainable growth,” he said.
“We are particularly delighted to have the NADDC as a central partner this year, given its pivotal role in policy formulation and innovation.”
Meanwhile, excitement is already building over the highly coveted 2025 Nigeria Car-of-the-Year crown, as three Chinese brands—Changan, Jetour and Chery—emerge as surprise frontrunners.
Their shortlisted models, the Changan CS55, Jetour Dashing and Chery Tiggo 8, signify a major shift in Nigeria’s increasingly competitive auto market.
“For the first time, Chinese manufacturers are not just competing — they are leading,” Opara said in a statement unveiling the finalists.
“The quality, technology and market acceptance we’ve seen from these brands show how much the industry is changing.”
The Awards Committee, he added, placed strong emphasis on innovation, durability and suitability for Nigerian roads.
While the Car-of-the-Year list has been released, nominees in other categories—including vehicle assembly, electrification, aftersales, heavy-duty trucks, transport service and luxury mobility—will be unveiled in the coming days.
Kintum assured that the committee is “raising the bar again this year,” with the 2025 edition expected to reflect the sector’s ongoing advancements—from electric vehicles to expanded local assembly operations.
With high-profile government officials, industry captains and global automotive brands already confirmed, this year’s NAJA Awards is set to be one of the most consequential editions in the event’s history.
