Nigeria’s leading automobile manufacturers, transport regulators and top government officials are set to converge in Lagos for the 2026 Nigeria Auto Industry Summit (NAISU), in a renewed push to accelerate the country’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered transportation.
The annual summit, organised by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) in collaboration with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), has attracted strong backing from major automotive brands, policymakers, investors, fleet operators, financial institutions, energy experts and technology providers, underscoring the growing momentum behind Nigeria’s clean mobility agenda.
Scheduled for Thursday, July 30, 2026, at the Radisson Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, the third edition of the summit is themed: “Nigeria’s Clean Mobility Future: The EV and CNG Journey Under the Bola Tinubu Administration”.
Auto Brands Confirm Participation
Among the leading automotive companies that have confirmed participation are Weststar Associates Limited, Toyota (Nigeria) Limited, Jetour Nigeria, Carloha Nigeria, Simba Group, Cedric Masters Group, Coscharis Motors and Lanre Shittu Motors.
The companies are expected to join other key stakeholders in examining the opportunities and challenges associated with the country’s shift towards cleaner, more sustainable transportation.
Top Government Officials to Lead Discussions
The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has confirmed his participation as the keynote speaker and is expected to address issues bordering on road safety, regulation and the deployment of EVs and CNG-powered vehicles in Nigeria.
Also confirmed as guest speakers are the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Joseph Osanipin, and the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG and EV), Ismaeel Ahmed.
The two officials are expected to provide insights into the Federal Government’s automotive industrialisation agenda, clean mobility policies and ongoing efforts to accelerate the adoption of EVs and CNG-powered vehicles across the country.
Focus on Practical Solutions
Chairman of the 2026 Auto Summit Planning Committee, Rasheed Bisiriyu, said the event is coming at a critical time as Nigeria intensifies efforts to promote cleaner, more affordable transportation through alternative energy solutions.
According to him, the summit will bring together government officials, automotive manufacturers, regulators, energy experts and transport stakeholders to assess ongoing reforms and develop practical strategies for advancing the country’s clean mobility agenda.
“The summit comes at a critical period when Nigeria is implementing policies aimed at reducing transportation costs, lowering carbon emissions and encouraging greater investment in alternative energy mobility solutions”, Bisiriyu said.
He added that discussions would review progress made under the Bola Tinubu administration in promoting EV and CNG adoption while identifying policy, infrastructure and financing gaps requiring urgent attention.
Participants will also examine strategies for expanding EV charging infrastructure and CNG refuelling stations, promoting local vehicle assembly, improving consumer awareness, attracting private sector investment and strengthening the regulatory framework needed to support sustainable transportation.
Bisiriyu noted that the summit is designed to move beyond policy conversations by generating practical recommendations capable of accelerating Nigeria’s transition to cleaner mobility.
Collaboration Key to Success
NAJA Chairman, Theodore Opara, described the annual Auto Industry Summit as one of Nigeria’s foremost automotive policy dialogue platforms, bringing together government institutions and private sector operators to address critical issues affecting the industry’s growth.
According to him, achieving Nigeria’s clean mobility objectives requires broad collaboration among regulators, manufacturers, energy providers, transport operators, safety agencies and consumers.
“We are bringing together regulators, manufacturers, energy providers, transport operators, safety agencies and consumers because the transition to clean mobility requires collective action.
“The objective is not only to discuss policy but also to identify practical solutions that will accelerate Nigeria’s journey towards affordable, cleaner and more sustainable transportation”, Opara said.
Driving Nigeria’s Automotive Future
Organisers said the summit is expected to produce actionable recommendations that will support the Federal Government’s drive to deepen investment in alternative fuel technologies, strengthen local automotive manufacturing, improve transport sustainability and position Nigeria as a leading player in Africa’s emerging clean mobility ecosystem.
With participation already confirmed by leading automotive brands, regulators and other key stakeholders, the 2026 Nigeria Auto Industry Summit is shaping up to be one of the country’s most influential gatherings on the future of the automotive industry and Nigeria’s transition to cleaner, more sustainable mobility.