NAJA Award: SAGLEV Clinches 2025 Nigeria EV Brand of the Year

Bennett Oghifo

SAGLEV, an assembler of electric vehicles, has emerged winner of the 2025 Nigeria EV Brand of the Year. The award was conferred by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA), on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos.

Other nominees in this category were BYD and Wuling. This recognition took place at a well-attended industry ceremony that drew leading automotive stakeholders and key government agencies, reflecting the growing momentum behind Nigeria’s clean mobility transition. Among the dignitaries present were the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, who also represented the Minister of State, Industry, and the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed (mni), who was represented by the Lagos State Sector Commander, Corps Commander Kehinde G. Hamzat, as well as managing director of automotive companies.

SAGLEV’s victory was attributed to its early-mover advantage in Nigeria’s EV market, its expanding local assembly footprint, and a strong focus on affordable, practical electric vehicles designed for Nigerian operating conditions. NAJA juries also recognized the company’s investments in after-sales support, charging ecosystem partnerships, and alignment with national automotive and energy transition policies as key differentiators.

Founded with a clear focus on clean transportation, SAGLEV is a Nigerian electric vehicle company engaged in the assembly and distribution of EVs, including passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. The brand has positioned itself around local value addition, skills development, and collaboration with government institutions to accelerate EV adoption across the country.

Reacting to the award, Dr. Gbenga Faleye, CEO of SAGLEV Electromobility Nigeria Limited, described the recognition as both an honour and a responsibility.

“This award validates our belief that Nigeria is ready for electric mobility solutions that are practical, locally relevant and sustainable,” Faleye said. “We dedicate this recognition to our team, our partners, and the policymakers who continue to create an enabling environment for EVs. Saglev remains committed to deepening local assembly, expanding charging support, and making electric vehicles accessible to more Nigerians.”

With growing momentum around compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicles as pillars of Nigeria’s broader energy transition, SAGLEV’s NAJA recognition signals rising confidence in indigenous players to translate policy intent into real, on-road electric mobility solutions.