Expectations High as 2025 NAJA Awards Hold Tuesday December 16 in Lagos

All is set for the 2025 Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) Awards, scheduled for Tuesday, December 16, at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos.

Widely regarded within the motoring community as the “Oscars” of Nigeria’s automotive industry, the annual ceremony will bring together leading auto brands, regulators, distributors, innovators and mobility stakeholders for an evening of recognition and industry reflection.

Three finalists shortlisted for the 2025 Car-of-the-Year award are Changan CS55, Jetour Dashing, and Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, all Chinese products, signaling a strong rise for the Chinese brands in the country.

Speaking ahead of the event, Chairman of the NAJA Awards Organising Committee, Frank Kintum, described the 2025 edition as “a defining moment for Nigeria’s auto industry,” noting that competition this year is among the strongest in recent times.

“The industry has seen notable shifts over the past year—from the growth of electric mobility to new product launches and deeper investment in after-sales service. This year’s awards will reflect those milestones and honour the individuals and organisations driving the change,” Kintum said in a statement.

He stressed that beyond celebrating winners, the awards provide a platform for engagement, idea exchange and spotlighting innovations shaping mobility in Nigeria.

High-profile dignitaries expected at the event include the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, and the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin.

Organisers say their presence underscores the event’s growing relevance to national road safety, automotive policy and the future of local vehicle manufacturing.

READ ALSO:

• Tinubu’s new tax regime as sovereignty for sale, By Farooq Kperogi
• FG Opens 47km Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway Section to Ease Yuletide Traffic
• Expectations High as 2025 NAJA Awards Hold Tuesday December 16 in Lagos

“The participation of FRSC and NADDC leadership reinforces our shared commitment to safer roads, stronger regulation and the growth of Nigeria’s domestic auto industry,” Kintum added.

Senior executives from major automotive and mobility companies have also confirmed attendance. They include Toyota Nigeria, Coscharis Motors, 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, among others.

This year’s awards will recognise excellence across key performance areas such as innovation, customer service, vehicle safety, sustainable mobility, commercial vehicle leadership, after-sales service and local manufacturing.

Electric vehicle manufacturers and mobility technology startups—among the fastest-growing segments of the industry—are also expected to feature prominently as Nigeria gradually shifts toward cleaner, technology-driven transport solutions.

According to Kintum, the fierce competition among brands reflects an auto market increasingly shaped by new mobility technologies, expanding local assembly and rising customer expectations.

NAJA Chairman, Theodore Opara noted that the awards had become an important benchmark for industry performance.

“The NAJA Awards continue to spotlight best practices and raise standards across the sector, pushing brands to improve on safety, service delivery, technology and customer satisfaction,” he said.

As stakeholders converge on Lagos, the 2025 NAJA Awards are expected to go beyond honours and trophies—serving as a key platform for networking, policy dialogue and partnerships that could help shape the future of Nigeria’s automotive ecosystem.

Auto journalists, policymakers, brand executives and mobility entrepreneurs are expected at the ceremony, reinforcing its status as the country’s most prestigious annual gathering for the automotive industry.

Expectations High as 2025 NAJA Awards Hold Tuesday December 16 in Lagos

NCAA arrests man who attempted to stow away on Overland Airways flight in Ilorin (Video)

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has confirmed the arrest of a man identified as Segun Martins, who attempted to stow away on an Overland Airways flight at the Gen. Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin, in Kwara State.

Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, said in a statement on Wednesday that the incident occurred around 3:02 pm, when Martins allegedly breached airside security and approached an aircraft preparing for take-off.

READ ALSO:

• Okonjo-Iweala, Mo Abudu Named Among Forbes’ 2025 List of 100 Most Powerful Women
• EFCC Confirms Custody of Chris Ngige Amid Kidnap Rumours
• Disaster Looms: Otedola Bridge Must Be Demolished and Rebuilt Immediately — Expert

According to the NCAA, the suspect attempted to hide between the aircraft tyres before he was spotted and apprehended by airport ground security personnel. He was subsequently handed over to the airport police division for further investigation.

During preliminary interrogation, Martins reportedly said he believed the aircraft was headed for the United States and attempted to escape Nigeria by concealing himself in the aircraft’s undercarriage.

The NCAA reiterated its commitment to ensuring strict security protocols across all airports in the country.

NCAA arrests man who attempted to stow away on Overland Airways flight in Ilorin

Aboubakar | Ijeoma | Mossad | Kaka | #DettyDecemberRave | Baddy | Dear HR pic.twitter.com/bi6T1raTRK

— Newstrends.Ng (@Newstrends_ng) December 11, 2025

NCAA arrests man who attempted to stow away on Overland Airways flight in Ilorin (Video)

FEC Approves Major Upgrades to Airports’ Navigation, Communication Systems to Boost Air Safety

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a series of major upgrades to Nigeria’s airport navigation and communication systems, aimed at enhancing air safety and modernising the nation’s aviation infrastructure.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the approvals on Wednesday while briefing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Keyamo revealed that the council approved the installation of an Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (A-SMGCS) in Lagos and Abuja airports. The system is designed to detect runway obstructions, improve visibility, and enhance ground safety operations.

In a move to strengthen aviation communication reliability, FEC also approved the procurement of aeronautical frequency monitoring and interference detection systems, as well as the construction of new modular air traffic control towers for eight airports.

READ ALSO:

• NADDC, FRSC Chiefs headline high-stake 2025 NAJA Auto Awards
• Madueke Shines as Arsenal Beat Club Brugge to Maintain 100% Champions League Record
• Fubara Breaks Silence, Accuses Wike-Aligned Lawmakers of Blocking Peace Talks

“Approval was given for the installation of an aeronautical frequency spectrum monitor and interference detection solution to improve communication between ground controllers, tower personnel and aircraft,” Keyamo said.

He explained that the system will significantly boost communication integrity and provide more precise guidance during runway approaches and departures.

Additionally, the council endorsed the upgrade, replacement, and installation of remote-controlled air–ground VHF radio communication systems in nine airports, including Lagos, Port Harcourt, Ilorin, Abuja, Kano, Maiduguri, Sokoto and Wukari.

Keyamo also disclosed that President Tinubu has approved the nationwide rollout of biometric-enabled e-gates at all international airports to fast-track passenger clearance and improve travel experience.

“These upgrades reflect Mr President’s commitment to modernising aviation facilities and ensuring safer, more efficient air travel across Nigeria,” he stated.

The minister emphasised that the comprehensive improvements will align Nigerian airports with global aviation standards and enhance overall operational efficiency.

FEC approves major upgrades to airports’ navigation, communication systems