The Nigeria Auto Journalists’ Association (NAJA) has conferred its prestigious Auto Personality of the Year awards on two outstanding figures from the public and private sectors.
The recognition took place at the 18th NAJA International Auto Awards, held at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, drawing policymakers, auto manufacturers, assemblers, industry executives, media professionals and innovators from across the automotive value chain.
Public Sector: Osanipin. Recognised for Strategic Industry Leadership
The Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Otunba Joseph Osanipin, emerged as Auto Personality of the Year (Public Sector) in recognition of his strategic leadership and policy-driven reforms within Nigeria’s auto industry.
NAJA cited Osanipin’s role in strengthening automotive policy frameworks, driving local vehicle assembly and advancing alternative energy initiatives as key factors positioning the sector as a catalyst for industrialisation and economic growth.
Under his leadership, the NADDC has prioritised policy advocacy, domestic capacity building, and the development of local automotive value chains, while also promoting alternative fuels and green mobility in line with Nigeria’s energy transition objectives.
In his acceptance remarks, Osanipin commended NAJA for its role in shaping industry discourse, noting that credible automotive journalism remains critical to transparency, innovation and accountability. He called for stronger collaboration between government and the media to accelerate sustainable growth in the sector.
Private Sector: Ajayi Celebrated for Innovation and Local Manufacturing
On the private sector front, Oluwatobi Ajayi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nord Motors, was honoured as Auto Personality of the Year (Private Sector), underscoring his influence in redefining automotive manufacturing and mobility in Nigeria.
Ajayi’s career trajectory—from Mercedes-Benz Nigeria, where he rose to Head of Vans Division, to co-founding Jetvan and leading Nord Motors—reflects a rare blend of engineering expertise and entrepreneurial vision.
His leadership has been marked by a strong commitment to local production, technology-driven solutions and indigenous brand development in a market historically dominated by imports. Notably, Nord Motors has expanded into electric mobility through its subsidiary, Tavet Motion, and unveiled three locally assembled electric vehicle models—Luto, Garent and Vant—signalling Nigeria’s growing presence in sustainable transportation.
Industry analysts say Ajayi’s recognition highlights the rising impact of private-sector innovators who are driving job creation, technology adoption and forward-looking mobility solutions across Africa.
Celebrating Industry-Wide Excellence
Beyond the personality awards, the 2025 NAJA Auto Awards celebrated excellence across multiple segments of Nigeria’s automotive ecosystem. Jetour Dashing was named Car of the Year, reflecting increasing consumer appetite for modern, technology-enabled vehicles.
Mikano International won Auto Company of the Year, while Toyota Nigeria’s Isolo facility was recognised as Workshop of the Year. Indigenous manufacturers, including Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing and Iron Products Industries Ltd, also received honours, highlighting the steady growth of local assembly and manufacturing capacity.
Electric vehicle brands and new market entrants featured prominently among award recipients, pointing to rising interest in future mobility solutions even as internal combustion engines continue to dominate.
Industry at a Turning Point
The NAJA awards come at a critical juncture for Nigeria’s automotive industry, as government policy increasingly aligns with goals around job creation, industrial expansion and sustainable mobility. With long-term commitments toward zero-emission vehicles and local EV production, the sector is undergoing rapid transformation.
The recognition of Osanipin and Ajayi reflects a powerful convergence of policy leadership and private-sector innovation, signalling a pathway that could define Nigeria’s automotive growth over the next decade.
As the industry celebrates its leaders, their honours stand not only as personal achievements but as milestones in Nigeria’s ongoing transition from import dependence to innovation-led automotive development.
