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 scheduled for 6pm on Tuesday, December 16, at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Their attendance underscores the strategic value of the awards, widely regarded as Nigeria’s most credible and influential platform for celebrating excellence, innovation, and leadership in the automotive industry.
Osanipin, a prominent advocate for increased local vehicle assembly and accelerated adoption of electric mobility, is expected to articulate the NADDC’s long-term vision for Nigeria’s automotive future. During the recently concluded Abuja International Motor Fair, he reaffirmed to a NAJA delegation led by Chairman Theodore Opara his commitment not only to attend but to actively participate in the ceremony.
Similarly, FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed confirmed his intention to attend the event through a message to the NAJA chairman, expressing enthusiasm about engaging stakeholders and strengthening ongoing road safety advocacy.
This year’s edition is set to convene automakers, distributors, policymakers, and mobility experts at a pivotal moment for the sector, which is undergoing rapid transformation driven by technology, sustainability ambitions, and evolving policy frameworks.
Chairman of the Award Planning Committee, Frank Kintum, said preparations were progressing strongly to uphold 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 stated.
Reinforcing the awards’ national significance, NAJA Chairman Opara emphasized that the event aligns closely with the Federal Government’s industrialization 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 rising ahead of the highly anticipated 2025 Nigeria Car-of-the-Year announcement, with three Chinese brands—Changan, Jetour, and Chery—emerging as surprise frontrunners. Their shortlisted models—the Changan CS55, Jetour Dashing, and Chery Tiggo 8—signal 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 as he unveiled the finalists. “The quality, technology, and market acceptance we’ve seen from these brands show how much the industry is changing.”
According to Opara, the Awards Committee placed strong emphasis on innovation, durability, and suitability for Nigerian roads.
While the Car-of-the-Year shortlist has been released, nominees in other categories—including vehicle assembly, electrification, aftersales, heavy-duty trucks, transport services, and luxury mobility—will be unveiled in the coming days.
Kintum added that the committee is “raising the bar again this year,” with the 2025 edition expected to highlight ongoing sectoral advancements—from electric vehicles to expanded local assembly initiatives.
With high-profile government officials, industry captains, and global automotive brands already confirmed, this year’s NAJA International Auto Awards is poised to be one of the most consequential in the event’s history.
By ebosele@hotmail.com
