The Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) has nanes the Chairman of Weststar Associates Limited, Chief Benson Uwatse, for the prestigious Nigeria Auto Legend Award at the 19th Nigeria Auto Industry Awards.
The recognition places Uwatse among distinguished industry leaders whose contributions have significantly shaped the growth and development of Nigeria’s automotive industry over several decades.
He becomes the third frontline automotive industry leader to receive the special recognition, following Chief Michael Ade.Ojo, Chairman of Toyota Nigeria Limited, and Dr Cosmas Maduka, President and Chief Executive Officer of Coscharis Group.
Uwatse’s nomination recognises his longstanding involvement in Nigeria’s automotive sector and his contributions to the growth and representation of the Mercedes-Benz brand in the country.
As Chairman of Weststar Associates Limited, the authorised general distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria, Uwatse occupies a strategic position in the country’s premium and luxury automobile market.
Weststar coordinates Mercedes-Benz’s business operations in Nigeria, covering passenger cars, commercial vehicles, trucks and buses, as well as dealer support, marketing, training, genuine spare parts supply, warranties and after-sales services.
The company commenced operations in February 2008, taking responsibility for Mercedes-Benz sales and after-sales operations in Nigeria. Through its distribution network and authorised dealerships, it provides vehicle sales and servicing support across the country.
Uwatse’s association with the Mercedes-Benz brand spans more than three decades, giving him extensive experience in premium vehicle distribution, customer relations and brand development.
His industry involvement has also included leadership responsibilities within the Mercedes-Benz dealership network, particularly as Managing Director of MB Automobile Services Limited, one of the authorised Mercedes-Benz dealers in Nigeria.
The Nigeria Auto Legend Award recognises individuals whose contributions go beyond routine business operations to encompass the development, growth and advancement of the country’s automotive industry.
Chief Ade.Ojo, founder of Elizade Nigeria Limited and Chairman of Toyota Nigeria Limited, was the first recipient of the special recognition in 2017, in acknowledgement of his decades of investment, enterprise and contributions to Nigeria’s automobile business.
Similarly, Dr Maduka earned recognition for transforming Coscharis from a modest automobile trading venture into one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous conglomerates. Under his leadership, Coscharis Motors secured distribution franchises for globally recognised automobile brands, including BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and Ford.
Uwatse’s emergence as the third industry leader to receive the recognition further underscores NAJA’s commitment to celebrating individuals whose leadership, enterprise and experience have contributed to the evolution of Nigeria’s automotive landscape.
The 19th Nigeria Auto Industry Awards, organised by NAJA, is scheduled to hold on Thursday, December 3, 2026, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The annual event brings together automobile manufacturers, distributors, dealers, policymakers, regulators, industry professionals and other stakeholders to celebrate outstanding achievements and recognise excellence across Nigeria’s automotive and transportation sectors.
