Auto
FRSC boss laments pressure on road, backs multi-modal system
• Commiserates with Attahiru family, others
The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, has expressed worry over the pressure being exerted on the nation’s roads as the major mode of transportation and called for accelerated adoption of multi-modal system towards addressing challenges facing the sector.
He also expressed sadness over the death of Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, in a plane crash that occurred at the Kaduna airport on Friday, May 21, 2021 and commiserated with his family and other victims’.
Oyeyemi, who decried the non-implementation of the National Transport Policy, 29 years after it was drafted, spoke “Improving Nigeria Transportation Systems: The Way Forward” at the 8th Nigeria Annual Transport Lecture held recently at Sheraton Hotel, Lagos.
He stressed the need for improvement of the inter-modal transport system.
The FRSC boss warned that the road system was dominant over other modes, taking about 95 per cent.
This, he said, had serious road safety concerns in the form of traffic crashes and infrastructure decay.
Noting that road crashes have increased, the Corps Marshal said, “The pressure is too much on the road. Fatality has been on the high. We used to have an average of 100 lives lost on the roads weekly. Speed is a major aspect we need to address.”
The FRSC boss maintained that utilising other modes of transport such as air, water, pipeline and rail would ease gridlock on the road and had the potential to boost the economy from travel tourism perspective.
According to him, there has not been a balanced development of the country’s transportation system, pointing out that increase in road construction activities and some developmental challenges being experienced by the other sectors of transportation, the movement of people, goods and services is dominated by road transport.
He said, “Government should expand and upgrade existing air travel infrastructures so as to boost confidence in the industry with respect to air safety; encourage more investments to bring about healthy competition such that more people can opt for the mode as against the road especially for long-distance travel. This will largely reduce ‘fatigue’ induced and tyre related crashes on the road.”
According to him, greater investments as a follow up of the MoU between NIWA, NEXIM and Sealink Promotional Co. Ltd should be activated.
He also canvassed for the dredging of identified potential waterways in the country to improve safety and enhance navigation amongst others.
Meanwhile, the FRSC corps marshal has described as unfortunate the plane crash that claimed the life of COAS Attahiru and 10 other military personnel, adding that it is a great loss to the nation at this critical period when the Armed Forces is committed to winning the war against insurgency.
A statement by the Corps Public Education Officer, Bisi Kazeem, quoted Corps Marshal Oyeyemi as condoling with President Muhammadu Buhari, the Nigerian Armed Forces, families and friends of the late Chief of Army Staff and other military officers and crew, who died in the air crash and enjoined all to take solace in the fact that Attahiru lived an exemplary and patriotic life worthy of emulation.
He described the late COAS “as a disciplined, forthright, committed and professional military officer who was unwavering in fighting and winning the war not only against insurgency and returning peace to the nation, but partnering with the FRSC to ensure safer road environment for all road users.
He prayed for the repose of the departed souls and to grant their loved ones and the nation the fortitude to bear the great loss.
Auto
Changan CS55, Kia Seltos take top SUV honours at 2025 NAJA Auto Awards
Changan CS55, Kia Seltos take top SUV honours at 2025 NAJA Auto Awards
Changan CS55 and Kia Seltos have clinched top honours at the 2025 Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) International Auto Awards, winning Midsize SUV of the Year and Compact SUV of the Year, respectively.
The awards were announced at a recent well-attended ceremony held at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, which brought together key stakeholders across Nigeria’s automotive value chain to celebrate excellence, resilience and innovation in the industry.
Changan CS55’s latest recognition comes after its impressive performance at last year’s 17th edition of the awards, where it was crowned Nigeria’s New Car of the Year.
At the 2025 ceremony, the compact crossover SUV edged out strong contenders such as the Kia Sonet and Chery Tiggo to secure the coveted Midsize SUV title.
Changan vehicles are marketed and assembled in Nigeria by Mikano Motors, reinforcing the growing impact of local assembly in the country’s automotive sector.
In the Compact SUV category, the Kia Seltos emerged winner, beating notable competitors such as the Toyota Prado, Changan CS55 and Chery Tiggo.
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Industry analysts have described the Seltos as a compelling blend of practicality and style, praising its bold design, versatility and appeal to modern drivers.
Other corporate winners at the event are the Mikano Group, which was named Auto Company of the Year; Iron Products Industries (IPI) Limited, honoured as Truck Assembler/Body Builder of the Year; Lanre Shittu Motors (JAC), awarded Truck Plant of the Year; and Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM), which won Passenger Car Assembly Plant of the Year.
These recognitions highlighted the depth and growing strength of indigenous participation in Nigeria’s automotive industry.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Otunba Joseph Osanipin, commended NAJA for sustaining a credible platform promoting excellence and accountability within the sector.
In his welcome address, NAJA Chairman Mr Theodore Opara described the awards as a benchmark for performance in Nigeria’s evolving automotive ecosystem, noting that the industry continues to adapt amid policy reforms, technological advancements and changing consumer expectations.
The 2025 NAJA International Auto Awards once again underscored the critical role of leading brands in strengthening Nigeria’s transportation and industrial backbone, while celebrating outstanding achievements across the nation’s automotive landscape.
Changan CS55, Kia Seltos take top SUV honours at 2025 NAJA Auto Awards
Auto
JIM-ISUZU, JéGO EV, Nord A9, New Era Win NAJA ‘New Entrants of the Year’
JIM-ISUZU, JéGO EV, Nord A9, New Era Win NAJA ‘New Entrants of the Year’
JIM-ISUZU Pick-Up, JéGO EV, Nord A9 and New Era Automobiles have been named New Entrants of the Year at the 2025 Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) International Auto Awards, underscoring the growing depth and competitiveness of Nigeria’s automotive market.
The awards were presented on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, during the 18th edition of the annual industry event.
JIM-ISUZU pickup emerged as a winner in the category, with its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Anselm Ilekuba, receiving the award on behalf of Cedric Autos Limited. Ilekuba, who also serves as National Coordinator of the Automotive Local Content Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (ALCMAN), thanked NAJA for the recognition, saying it would spur the company to deepen its commitment to quality and local industry growth.
The recognition of JéGO EV, Nord A9 and New Era Automobiles also reflects their successful entry into the Nigerian market, rising consumer acceptance and the promise they hold for the sector, particularly in the areas of innovation and alternative mobility solutions.
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Other major winners on the night included Jetour Dashing, which clinched Nigeria’s 2025 Car of the Year, defeating strong contenders such as Changan CS55 and Chery Tiggo.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class won Luxury Car of the Year, Range Rover Autobiography (Coscharis Motors) took Luxury SUV of the Year, while Toyota Hiace emerged Minibus of the Year.
On the corporate front, Mikano was named Auto Company of the Year, Toyota Nigeria’s Isolo facility won Workshop of the Year, and Dangote Sinotruk emerged Heavy-Duty Truck Brand of the Year.
Iron Products Industries (IPI) Limited clinched Truck Assembler/Body Builder of the Year, while Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) was recognised as Passenger Car Assembly Plant of the Year.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr Joseph Osanipin, commended NAJA for sustaining a credible platform that promotes professionalism, innovation and excellence in the automotive industry.
NAJA Chairman, Mr Theodore Opara, said the awards have remained one of the sector’s most respected benchmarks, noting that the initiative continues to evolve in line with rapid changes in vehicle technology, alternative energy solutions and consumer expectations.
The 2025 NAJA International Auto Awards once again reinforced its role as a key barometer for automotive excellence in Nigeria, with the emergence of JIM-ISUZU and other new brands signalling a vibrant and increasingly competitive market.
JIM-ISUZU, JéGO EV, Nord A9, New Era Win NAJA ‘New Entrants of the Year’
Auto
ANAMMCO, Stallion, RT Briscoe Honoured as Nigeria’s Most Resilient Auto Brands
ANAMMCO, Stallion, RT Briscoe Honoured as Nigeria’s Most Resilient Auto Brands
ANAMMCO Motors and Parts Ltd, Stallion Motors and R T Briscoe have been named Most Resilient Auto Brands of the Year at the 18th Nigeria Auto Journalists’ Association (NAJA) International Auto Awards, held at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The recognition was announced at the well-attended ceremony that celebrated excellence, innovation and long-term impact across Nigeria’s automotive value chain.
NAJA said the three companies stood out for their consistency, adaptability and sustained contributions to the growth of the auto industry.
According to the association, the Resilient Auto Company of the Year category honours firms that have demonstrated institutional strength, commitment to local content development and unwavering support for Nigeria’s automotive ecosystem, even amid economic headwinds, policy shifts and changing market dynamics.
The endorsement of ANAMMCO, Stallion Motors and R T Briscoe underscores their ability to remain operationally relevant while contributing to local vehicle assembly, skills development and industrial capacity building over several decades.
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ANAMMCO Motors and Parts Limited is a leading vehicle manufacturing company with a broad portfolio spanning commercial vehicle production, third-party assembly, refurbishment, vehicle and spare parts sales, body building, workshop services, as well as training and consultancy.
Stallion Motors Limited, the automotive arm of the Stallion Group, is a major force in Nigeria’s auto sector, combining vehicle retail, after-sales support, parts distribution and local assembly. The company is the authorised distributor for several global brands, including Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Changan, Ashok Leyland, Morris Garages (MG) and Bajaj three-wheelers.
In addition to the resilience award, Stallion’s Sonu Singh was named Marketing/Media Manager of the Year at the ceremony.
R T Briscoe, one of Nigeria’s oldest auto companies, was recognised for pioneering structured vehicle sales, professional servicing and spare-parts support in the country.
At a time when vehicle imports were largely informal, the company introduced standardised dealerships, manufacturer-backed warranties and some of the best-equipped auto workshops in Nigeria.
In his welcome address, NAJA Chairman, Mr. Theodore Opara, described the awards as a benchmark for industry performance, noting that resilience has become a defining attribute in the face of global supply chain disruptions, energy transition pressures and ongoing policy reforms.
He added that award recipients emerged through a transparent and rigorous assessment process anchored on professionalism, industry relevance and measurable impact, stressing that despite prevailing economic challenges, Nigeria’s auto industry continues to demonstrate resilience, creativity and strategic adaptation.
ANAMMCO, Stallion, RT Briscoe Honoured as Nigeria’s Most Resilient Auto Brands
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