The Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) has announced Thursday, December 3, 2026, as the date for the grand finale of its 19th annual awards, promising a bigger and more prestigious celebration of excellence in Nigeria’s automotive industry.
The highly anticipated event will be held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, and is expected to attract leading automobile manufacturers, distributors, dealers, financial institutions, policymakers, motoring enthusiasts and other key stakeholders in the automotive sector.
The organisers said the 2026 edition is being carefully planned to surpass previous editions in scale, organisation and glamour, while maintaining the credibility and professional standards associated with the NAJA Awards.
Speaking on preparations for the event, Chairman of the 2026 NAJA Awards Planning Committee, Frank Kintum, said the committee was determined to deliver a ceremony worthy of the growing importance of Nigeria’s automotive industry.
Kintum described the awards as an important platform for recognising individuals, brands and organisations that have made significant contributions to the development of the automobile sector.
He said the 19th edition would be “bigger and more glamorous” than previous editions, adding that the committee was working to ensure that every aspect of the ceremony reflects the quality, innovation and achievements of the industry.
According to the committee, the awards process will involve the assessment of products, brands and personalities across relevant segments of the automotive industry, with the final results determined in accordance with approved NAJA awards modalities.
Also speaking on the 2026 awards, NAJA Chairman, Theodore Opara, said the objective was not merely to celebrate the biggest players in the market but to recognise individuals and organisations that have demonstrated measurable excellence and made meaningful contributions to the growth of the sector.
Opara noted that the awards had become an increasingly important reference point for stakeholders because of the credibility attached to the judging and evaluation process.
He said the automotive industry was undergoing significant transformation, driven by emerging technologies, electric mobility, local manufacturing, changing consumer preferences and evolving government policies.
Against this backdrop, the organisers said the 2026 NAJA Awards would provide an opportunity to celebrate individuals, brands and organisations helping to shape the future of Nigeria’s automotive industry.
The awards committee urged automobile brands and other stakeholders to participate actively in the process, stressing that their involvement would further strengthen the credibility and relevance of the annual celebration.
