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NADDC DG, Nord CEO emerge Nigeria’s Auto personalities of the year 

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NADDC DG, Nord CEO emerge Nigeria’s Auto personalities of the year 

Nigeria’s automotive industry took centre stage in Lagos as the Nigeria Auto Journalists’ Association (NAJA) honoured two of its most influential change-makers at the 18th NAJA International Auto Awards. The Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Otunba Joseph Osanipin, and the Chairman/CEO of Nord Motors, Oluwatobi Ajayi, were crowned Auto Personalities of the Year in the public and private sectors respectively.

This is in recognition of their pivotal roles in reshaping policy direction, driving local production and accelerating the country’s transition towards sustainable mobility.

The awards, held at the Oriental Hotel on Victoria Island, Lagos, gathered policymakers, industry executives, manufacturers, assemblers, media professionals and automotive innovators to honour excellence across Nigeria’s automotive value chain, from vehicles and service providers to visionary leaders driving structural change.

Otunba Joseph Osanipin, Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), was honoured as Auto Personality of the Year (Public Sector).

NAJA highlighted his remarkable leadership in steering policy frameworks, galvanising local vehicle assembly, and championing alternative energy solutions that position Nigeria’s auto industry as a reliable engine for industrialisation and economic progress.

Under Osanipin’s stewardship, the NADDC has focused on:

Policy advocacy and industry development promoting Nigeria’s automotive vision.

Support for local vehicle assembly and capacity building for domestic value chains.

Strategic thrusts on alternative fuels and green mobility, complementing Nigeria’s broader energy transition goals.

In his acceptance remarks, Osanipin praised NAJA’s vital role in amplifying industry narratives and reinforcing transparency, innovation and accountability.

He underlined the importance of automotive journalism in informing the public and shaping policy debates, urging deeper collaboration between media and government to accelerate growth pathways.

Private Sector

On the private sector front, Oluwatobi Ajayi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nord Motors, clinched Auto Personality of the Year (Private Sector), cementing his status as one of the most influential voices in Nigeria’s automotive industry.

Ajayi’s journey from Mercedes-Benz Nigeria, where he rose to Head of Vans Division, to co-founder of Jetvan and eventually CEO of Nord Motors illustrates a blend of engineering insight and entrepreneurial brilliance.

His leadership has been marked by a unique commitment to local production, technological innovation and home-grown brand building in a market long dominated by imports.

A few of Ajayi’s industry achievements include: Launch of Tavet Motion, an electric vehicle subsidiary dedicated to Nigeria’s EV future.

Unveiling of three locally assembled EV models — Luto, Garent and Vant — signalling Nigeria’s stride into sustainable mobility.

Industry observers say Ajayi’s recognition underscores the growing influence of private innovators who are redefining mobility in Africa through cutting-edge engineering, job creation and forward-looking enterprise models.

A Night of Broader Celebration and Industry Recognition

Beyond the personality awards, the 2025 NAJA Auto Awards spotlighted excellence across multiple categories, affirming the breadth of competition and innovation driving Nigeria’s auto industry forward:

Jetour Dashing was crowned Nigeria’s 2025 Car of the Year, a testament to rising consumer demand for modern, tech-enabled vehicles.

Mikano International earned Auto Company of the Year, while Toyota Nigeria’s Isolo facility was recognised as Workshop of the Year.

Local assembly and manufacturing players such as Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing and Iron Products Industries Ltd received accolades, reflecting the growing robustness of indigenous capacity.

New entrants and EV-focused brands also featured strongly, signalling growing attention on future mobility even as combustion engines remain dominant.

The NAJA awards come at a pivotal moment for the Nigerian auto sector as it aligns with broader national goals on sustainable mobility, job creation and industrial expansion.

With government pledges toward zero-emission vehicles by 2040, and expanded focus on local electric vehicle production, industry dynamics are rapidly shifting.

Osanipin and Ajayi’s wins reflect a dual narrative — policy ambition and entrepreneurial execution — that could define Nigeria’s automotive future over the coming decade.

In summary: As the industry celebrates its movers and shakers, the victories of Osanipin and Ajayi at the NAJA Auto Awards aren’t just personal milestones — they represent milestones for Nigeria’s auto industry as it navigates transformation from import dependency to innovation-driven growth.

 

NADDC DG, Nord CEO emerge Nigeria’s Auto personalities of the year

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Carloha shakes up pickup market with launch of heavy-duty Chery Himla

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Carloha shakes up pickup market with launch of heavy-duty Chery Himla

Carloha Nigeria has officially unveiled the Chery Himla pickup in Nigeria, marking the brand’s entry into the country’s highly competitive pickup segment with a bold focus on productivity, durability and business efficiency.

The launch, held at Orange Island, Lekki, Lagos on February 19, 2026, positions the Himla not merely as a utility vehicle but as a high-performance mobile business asset tailored for commerce, agriculture, logistics, security operations and regional trade.

Speaking at the event, Managing Director of Carloha Nigeria, Mr. Sola Adigun, described the unveiling as a significant milestone for the company and Nigerian entrepreneurs.

“Today’s launch represents a key milestone, with Himla engineered to enhance efficiency and productivity for security outfits, farmers, logistics operators, entrepreneurs and others,” he said.

Built for Bigger Load, Fewer Tripsĺ

At the heart of the Himla’s appeal is its class-leading 1,276-litre cargo bed (1,530 mm × 1,620 mm × 515 mm), designed to accommodate standard industrial pallets and enable what the company describes as “one-trip loading.”

Its optimised chassis and suspension design minimise wheel arch intrusions, creating a flatter and more practical loading surface.

Integrated side and rear steps simplify loading and unloading, helping businesses improve turnaround time in demanding work environments.

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Built on a high-strength ladder frame with reinforced rear-spring suspension, the Himla offers a rated payload exceeding 1,000 kg while maintaining stability under heavy loads.

It also boasts a 3-ton towing capacity, positioning it as a strong contender for hauling equipment, refrigerated containers and other heavy-duty applications across logistics, construction and agriculture.

Engineered for Nigerian Terrain

Designed with Nigeria’s diverse road conditions in mind, the Himla features advanced 4×4 capability and 265 mm ground clearance to tackle rough job sites and rural terrain with confidence.

Carloha says the pickup is engineered for durability in high temperatures and humid environments, incorporating wear-resistant and anti-corrosion materials, galvanised steel components and high-strength body panels. Multiple heavy-duty anchoring points ensure cargo stability even on uneven surfaces.

The vehicle is available in ICE variants and comes equipped with premium leather seats, a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, a 9.2-inch digital dashboard display and enhanced rear-seat comfort. Higher-end models feature advanced driver assistance systems.

Real-World Test Drive

Motoring journalists, customers and automobile enthusiasts at the launch event had the opportunity to test-drive the Himla across simulated terrains.

The demonstration highlighted its 4×4 capability, hill approach and descent angles, towing strength, load stability, water-wading ability, in-cabin quietness and overall ride comfort.

General Manager, Marketing at Carloha Nigeria, Mr. Felix Mahan, described the Himla as a cornerstone of Chery’s global pickup strategy.

He said the model combines “class-leading cargo capacity, hardcore load capability, advanced technology and climate-adapted engineering” to serve Nigerian entrepreneurs as a reliable business partner.

Backed by a class-leading six-year warranty, the Himla enters the Nigerian market with a strong value proposition.

With its unveiling, Carloha is betting that Nigeria’s evolving economy will increasingly demand pickups that do more than transport goods — vehicles designed to power productivity, cut operational costs and drive enterprise growth.

 

Carloha shakes up pickup market with launch of heavy-duty Chery Himla

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ABC Transport reaffirms commitment to safety as Driver Training Academy graduates 137

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Group Managing Director of ABC Transport, Mr. Jude Nneji (middle), with two of the 137 graduands at the ceremony in Owerri

ABC Transport reaffirms commitment to safety as Driver Training Academy graduates 137

The Driver Training Academy (DTA), a subsidiary of ABC Transport, held its graduation ceremony recently during which no fewer than 137 driver trainees received the institute’s highly regarded certificates.

A statement by the company quoted the Group Managing Director of ABC Transport, Mr Jude Nneji, as emphasizing the importance of professionalism, discipline, and continuous learning in the transport industry.

He stated this while delivering the keynote address, reiterating the organisation’s commitment to maintaining high safety standards and investing in structured driver development.

Representatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps and NABTEB also delivered goodwill messages, commending the academy for its dedication to quality training and road safety excellence.

Tge graduation held on February 10, 2026, at the academy’s premises in Owerri, was a well-attended and colourful event that celebrated excellence, discipline, and professional development within the transport industry.

The ceremony attracted several distinguished guests who graced the occasion in support of the academy and its graduating students.

Among the dignitaries present were HRH Eze Sir Boniface Ariri, Eze Udo IV of Obibi Uratta, Owerri North LGA, Imo State; Christiana Okey–Egwuumba, National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) State Coordinator; and Onuegbu Vincent Onyekachi, a NABTEB personnel.
Also present were CRC A.C. Njemanze, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Command Representative; ARC Q.C. Nwokon, FRSC Sector Command Representative; and ASP R.O. Abang, Representative of the DPO, Toronto, Uratta.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of DTA and NABTEB certificates to the graduating students by the Group Managing Director, assisted by representatives from FRSC, NABTEB, and the Deputy Managing Director.

The successful graduation ceremony reinforces the Driver Training Academy’s unwavering commitment to producing competent, safety-conscious, and professionally trained drivers, further strengthening ABC Transport’s culture of excellence and road safety.

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The Beast Goes Hybrid: Jetour G700 Unleashes 900HP Fury

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The Beast Goes Hybrid: Jetour G700 Unleashes 900HP Fury

Forget everything you thought you knew about “sensible” hybrids. The Jetour G700 has arrived—and it didn’t just enter the room; it kicked the door down, waded through a river, and parked itself on the throne of the premium SUV world.

If a luxury penthouse and a monster truck had a high-tech love child, this would be it.

Design: The Art of Intimidation

At first glance, the G700 stands as a monolith of modern engineering. Measuring nearly 5.2 meters in length, its silhouette defines what can only be described as “Boxy Chic.”

With a towering stance, matrix LED headlights, and a grille bold enough to swallow a lesser hatchback whole, the G700 commands respect even before the key fob is pressed.

It doesn’t just have road presence—it has its own gravitational pull.

Performance

Beneath its shimmering paintwork lies the Kunpeng Super Hybrid CDM-O system—a 2.0L turbocharged engine paired with dual electric motors delivering a staggering 904 horsepower and 1,135 Nm of torque.

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0–100 km/h: 4.6 seconds (in a vehicle this size)

Total Range: 1,400 km

Wading Depth: 970 mm

While others check the weather forecast, you’re essentially piloting a luxury submarine.

Whether executing a “Tank Turn” across dunes or cruising silently at highway speeds, the adaptive suspension and triple differential locks ensure complete dominance over any terrain.

The Interior: A First-Class Flight for Six

Step inside and the rugged exterior gives way to ultra-luxurious serenity. Dominating the dashboard is a 35.4-inch 3K panoramic display—a sweeping digital horizon that makes most home televisions look outdated.

It’s not just a cabin; it’s a sanctuary. From Nappa leather massage seats to an 18-speaker Lexicon audio system with Dolby Atmos, every detail is crafted to shield occupants from the chaos outside.

The “Wow” Features

Military-Grade Assistance: Selected editions feature rear turboprops delivering 3,000 N of additional thrust for extraction from deep mud.

On-Board Fridge: A built-in drawer capable of chilling champagne to -6°C or keeping espresso warm at 50°C.

Oxygen Generator: For high-altitude adventures, the G700 provides an external oxygen supply to support occupants’ health.

The Verdict

The Jetour G700 is more than a vehicle—it is a statement of intent. It eliminates the need to choose between the rugged capability of a desert explorer and the refinement of a limousine.

It reigns as the king of the “Travel+” philosophy, designed for those who want to explore the world without sacrificing comfort.

The established luxury titans should be very, very nervous.

A statement by Jetour Nigeria lists the accredited dealers for vehicle as Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era AutoVehicle Services Ltd, Kojo Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, Tab Autos Ltd, R.T. Briscoe Motors, and Mandilas Motors.

The Beast Goes Hybrid: Jetour G700 Unleashes 900HP Fury

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