Posted by Justtours News
The Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Joseph Osanipin and the Corps Marshal, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, have confirmed their participation at this year’s Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) International Auto Awards, which will be taking place at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos on
Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
The organizing committee of the auto journalists event stated that their attendance underscores the strategic importance of the annual awards which is widely regarded as “Nigeria’s most credible and prestigious platform for celebrating excellence, innovation and industry leadership in the automotive sector.”
Osanipin, a clear voice in Nigeria’s push for stronger local vehicle assembly and electric mobility adoption, is expected to shed light on the council’s long-term vision for the nation’s automotive future.
At the recent Abuja Motor Fair, Osanipi assured a NAJA delegation led by Theodore Opara that he would not only attend, but also take active part in the awards ceremony.
In a similar vein, the FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, also confirmed his intention to attend the event.
He conveyed this through a brief message to the NAJA chairman, expressing excitement about engaging industry stakeholders and reinforcing ongoing road safety advocacy.
This year’s edition is expected to gather automakers, distributors, policymakers, and mobility experts at a time the sector is undergoing rapid transformation driven by new technologies, sustainability goals and policy shifts.
Chairman of the Award Planning Committee, Frank Kintum, said preparations were in top gear to maintain the awards’ reputation as the “industry’s gold standard.”
Moreover, “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,” he said.
Reinforcing the awards’ national relevance, Opara noted that the event aligned with the Federal Government’s industrialisation agenda.
“As the automotive sector evolves, NAJA remains committed to supporting initiatives that drive sustainable growth,” he said.
Meanwhile, excitement is already building over the highly coveted 2025 Nigeria Car-of-the-Year crown, as three Chinese brands—Changan, Jetour and Chery—emerged as frontrunners.
The shortlisted models, the Changan CS55, Jetour Dashing and Chery Tiggo 8, signify a major shift in Nigeria’s increasingly competitive auto market.
“For the first time, Chinese manufacturers are not just competing, but are leading,” Opara said in a statement unveiling the finalists.
The Awards committee, he added, placed strong emphasis on innovation, durability and suitability for Nigerian roads.
While the Car-of-the-Year list has been released, nominees in other categories—including vehicle assembly, electrification, aftersales, heavy-duty trucks, transport service and luxury mobility—would be unveiled in the coming days.
Kintum assured that the committee was “raising the bar again this year,” with the 2025 edition expected to reflect the sector’s ongoing advancements—from electric vehicles to expanded local assembly operations.
With high-profile government officials, industry captains and global automotive brands already confirmed, this year’s NAJA Awards is set to be one of the most consequential editions in the event’s history.
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[08/12, 13:17] Aunty Justina Okpanku:
