NADDC, FRSC Chiefs headline high-stake 2025 NAJA Auto Awards

NADDC, FRSC Chiefs headline high-stake 2025 NAJA Auto Awards

The Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Chief Joseph Oluwemimo Osanipin, and the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, have confirmed their attendance at the 2025 Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) International Auto Awards scheduled for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 16, at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Their participation reinforces the rising influence of the NAJA Awards—widely regarded as the country’s most credible platform for recognising excellence, innovation, and leadership in the automotive industry.

Osanipin, a key advocate for strengthened local assembly and accelerated electric mobility adoption, is expected to interact with stakeholders and share insights on the NADDC’s long-term industry roadmap. Earlier at the Abuja International Motor Fair, he assured a NAJA delegation led by Chairman Theodore Opara that he would not only attend but actively participate in the ceremony.

FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed also confirmed his presence through a message to Opara, expressing enthusiasm about engaging industry leaders and pushing ongoing national road-safety campaigns.

This year’s event will bring together automakers, distributors, policymakers, and mobility experts at a time when Nigeria’s automotive landscape is being reshaped by new technologies, sustainability imperatives, and shifting regulatory frameworks.

Chairman of the Award Planning Committee, Frank Kintum, said preparations were in top gear to sustain the event’s reputation as Nigeria’s “industry gold standard.”

“The NAJA Awards remain the benchmark for honouring brands, organisations, and individuals who consistently demonstrate innovation, integrity and excellence in advancing Nigeria’s automotive ecosystem. This edition will spotlight strides in local manufacturing, green mobility and policy development,” he said.

NAJA Chairman Opara added that the awards mirror the Federal Government’s industrialisation push.

“As the sector evolves, NAJA is committed to initiatives that promote sustainable growth,” he said. “We are especially pleased to have the NADDC as a central partner this year, given its strategic role in policy formulation and innovation.”

Meanwhile, anticipation is already mounting around the 2025 Nigeria Car-of-the-Year category, where three Chinese brands—Changan, Jetour and Chery—have emerged as unexpected frontrunners. Their shortlisted models—the Changan CS55, Jetour Dashing and Chery Tiggo 8—reflect the shifting dynamics of Nigeria’s highly competitive auto market.

“For the first time, Chinese manufacturers are not just competing; they are leading,” Opara said while unveiling the finalists. “The quality, technology and market acceptance shown by these brands demonstrate how quickly the industry is evolving.”

He noted that the committee emphasised innovation, durability, and suitability for Nigerian roads in selecting the finalists.

While the Car-of-the-Year contenders have been revealed, nominees in other categories—including local assembly, electrification, aftersales service, heavy-duty trucks, transport service and luxury mobility—will be announced in the coming days.

Kintum said the committee is “raising the bar again this year,” with the 2025 edition expected to reflect more advancements in electric vehicle rollout and expanded local assembly operations.

With top government officials, industry leaders and global automotive brands already confirmed, the 2025 NAJA Awards is shaping up to be one of the most defining editions in the event’s history.