JIM-ISUZU Pick-Up, JéGO EV, Nord A9 and New Era Automobiles have been honoured as New Entrants of the Year at the 2025 Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) International Auto Awards, highlighting the expanding depth, innovation and competitiveness of Nigeria’s automotive landscape.
The awards were presented on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, during the 18th edition of the prestigious annual industry gathering.
JIM-ISUZU Pick-Up emerged as a standout winner, with its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Anselm Ilekuba, receiving the award on behalf of Cedric Autos Limited. Ilekuba, who also serves as the National Coordinator of the Automotive Local Content Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (ALCMAN), expressed appreciation to NAJA for the recognition, noting that the honour would further motivate the company to strengthen quality standards and support the growth of local automotive manufacturing.
The recognition of JéGO EV, Nord A9 and New Era Automobiles reflects their successful market entry, increasing consumer acceptance and the strong promise they bring to Nigeria’s auto sector, particularly in innovation, sustainability and alternative mobility solutions.
Several other brands were also celebrated on the night. Jetour Dashing clinched the coveted Nigeria’s 2025 Car of the Year award, edging out strong contenders such as Changan CS55 and Chery Tiggo. Mercedes-Benz S-Class was named Luxury Car of the Year, while Range Rover Autobiography (Coscharis Motors) won Luxury SUV of the Year. Toyota Hiace secured the Minibus of the Year award.
In the corporate categories, Mikano was crowned Auto Company of the Year, Toyota Nigeria’s Isolo facility emerged Workshop of the Year, and Dangote Sinotruk won Heavy-Duty Truck Brand of the Year. Iron Products Industries (IPI) Limited received the Truck Assembler/Body Builder of the Year award, while Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) was recognised as Passenger Car Assembly Plant of the Year.
Addressing guests at the ceremony, the Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Joseph Osanipin, commended NAJA for sustaining a credible platform that promotes professionalism, innovation and excellence across the automotive value chain.
NAJA Chairman, Mr. Theodore Opara, noted that the awards have continued to serve as one of the industry’s most respected benchmarks, evolving in response to rapid advancements in vehicle technology, alternative energy solutions and shifting consumer expectations.
The 2025 NAJA International Auto Awards once again affirmed its status as a key measure of automotive excellence in Nigeria, with the emergence of JIM-ISUZU and other new brands signalling a vibrant, dynamic and increasingly competitive market.