The Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Chief Joseph Osanipin, and the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, have confirmed their attendance at the 2025 Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) International Auto Awards scheduled for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 16, at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Their participation underscores the strategic weight of the annual ceremony widely regarded as Nigeria’s most credible and prestigious platform for recognising excellence, innovation and leadership in the nation’s automotive industry.
Osanipin, a prominent advocate for strengthened local assembly and accelerated electric mobility adoption, is expected to articulate the Council’s long-term vision for Nigeria’s automotive future. At the recent Abuja International Motor Fair, he assured a NAJA delegation led by the Chairman, Mr. Theodore Opara that he would not only attend but “take active part in the ceremony”.
Likewise, FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed has confirmed his intention to grace the event. In a brief message to Opara, he expressed enthusiasm about engaging key industry stakeholders and reinforcing the Corps’ ongoing road safety advocacy.
This year’s edition will bring together automakers, distributors, policymakers and mobility experts at a time of rapid transformation driven by new technologies, sustainability objectives and evolving government policies.
Chairman of the Award Planning Committee, Frank Kintum, said preparations are in top gear to uphold the awards’ reputation as the “industry’s gold standard”.
“The NAJA Awards have become the benchmark for honouring brands, organisations, 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 said.
Opara added that the awards strongly align with the federal government’s industrialisation drive.
“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 intensifying around the coveted 2025 Nigeria Car-of-the-Year title, with three Chinese brands—Changan, Jetour and Chery emerging as unexpected frontrunners. Their shortlisted models, the Changan CS55, Jetour Dashing and Chery Tiggo 8, reflect a significant shift in the dynamics of Nigeria’s increasingly competitive auto market.
“For the first time, Chinese manufacturers are not just competing — they are leading”, Opara said while unveiling the finalists. “The quality, technology and market acceptance we’ve seen from these brands show how much the industry is changing”.
He noted that the Awards Committee placed strong emphasis on innovation, durability and suitability for Nigerian roads. While the Car-of-the-Year nominees have been released, contenders in other categories including local assembly, electrification, after sales, heavy-duty trucks, transport service and luxury mobility will be announced in the coming days.
Kintum stressed that the committee is “raising the bar again this year,” with the 2025 edition set to highlight major industry advancements—from electric vehicles to expanded local production.
With top government officials, sector leaders and global auto brands already confirmed, the 2025 NAJA Auto Awards is shaping up to be one of the most influential editions in its history.