By Justina Okpanku
The Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) has announced that all is set for the 2025 NAJA Awards, which will be taking place at Oriental Hotel, Lagos on Tuesday,
December 16, 2025.
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The annual event is respected by the nation’s auto and road sector, an “Oscars” of sorts which unites the country’s most influential brands and regulators as well as distributors, innovators and mobility stakeholders for an evening of celebration and industry reflection.
Speaking ahead of the event, the Chairman of the NAJA Awards Organising Committee, Frank Kintum described the 2025 edition as “a defining moment for Nigeria’s auto industry,” noting that this year’s competition is one of the strongest in recent years.
“The industry has witnessed significant transformation over the past yeard, from electric mobility growth to new product rollouts and stronger after-sales investments. This year’s awards will capture these milestones and honour the people and organisations driving the progress,” he stated.
He added that the awards are not just a prize-giving ceremony but an opportunity for auto professionals to engage, exchange ideas, and spotlight the innovations shaping transport in Nigeria.
The FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed and the Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and Joseph Osanipin, are among the high-profile dignitaries expected at the event.
Their participation, organisers say, highlights the strategic importance of the event to national road safety, automotive policy, and the future of local vehicle manufacturing.
“Having the leadership of FRSC and NADDC with us reinforces the shared commitment to safer roads, stronger regulations, and the growth of our domestic auto sector,” Kintum added.
Also confirmed for attendance are senior executives from major automotive brands and mobility companies, including Toyota Nigeria and Coscharis Motors. Others include Weststar Associates (Mercedes-Benz), Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM), Carloha Nigeria, Briscoe Motors, Jet Systems, SAGLEV Electric Vehicles, Stallion Group, Industrial Project International (IPI), Dangote Sinotruk West Africa, Jetour Auto, GUO Motors, CEDRIC, and JeGo Electric Mobility.
This year’s award categories will spotlight excellence across a wide range of performance areas, including innovation, customer service, vehicle safety standards, sustainable mobility, commercial vehicle leadership, after-sales service delivery, and local manufacturing accomplishments.
Electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers and mobility-tech startups, some of the fastest-growing segments in the sector, are also expected to feature prominently as Nigeria slowly transitions towards cleaner and technology-driven transport solutions.
Kintum believes the intense competition among brands this year reflects the evolving landscape of the Nigerian auto market, which is increasingly influenced by new mobility technologies, local assembly growth, and competitive customer expectations.
According to the NAJA President, Theodore Opara, the awards play a crucial role in spotlighting best practices and raising performance standards across the sector.
“The NAJA Awards have become a benchmark for excellence. Every year, they push the industry forward and inspire brands to improve on safety, service, technology, and customer satisfaction,” he said.
As guests converge in the Oriental Hotel, the 2025 NAJA Awards are expected to offer more than recognition, providing an influential platform for networking, policy dialogue, and new partnerships that could shape the future of Nigeria’s automotive ecosystem.
The organisers of the NAJA Awards hope the event continues to draw together auto journalists, policymakers, brand representatives, mobility entrepreneurs, and other critical stakeholders, reinforcing its reputation as Nigeria’s most prestigious annual gathering for the automotive industry.
