NAJA ignites Nigerian auto industry, holds awards tomorrow

Auto industry players and other stakeholders have shifted their attention to the 2021 auto industry awards that will hold tomorrow Wednesday, December 1 in Lagos.

Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) has said all is set for this year’s edition of the annual event, adding that virtually all categories of the automobile industry will be covered by the organising committee.

Chairman/founder of Elizade Group and brain behind Toyota Nigeria Limited, Michael Ade.Ojo, is expected to be honoured as the ‘Pillar Of Nigeria’ Auto industry’.

Special guests of the day are Jelani Aliyu, Director-General of the National Automotive Design & Development Council (NADDC) and Boboye Oyeyemi, Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

New entrants for this year’s awards are Jet Systems listed in the electric bus promoter of the year category; OMAA mentioned in the gas-powered vehicle promoter of the year category, among others.

The two brands are coming at a time when Nigeria is focusing and encouraging the shift from fossil fuel to electric and gas respectively to prospective vehicle buyers.

Geely Coolray, marketed by Mikano International Limited is also in contention for the best designed vehicle of the year.

According to the organisers of the event headed by chairman of the award committee, Theodore Opara, the Car-of-The-Year (COTY) category will be contested by Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Creta and Kia Rio.

The Suzuki brand, which is being marketed by CFAO, is listed on the strongest comeback brand category, while PAN has been nominated for the most resilient auto company of the year.

Nigeria’s indigenous automaker, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Co, is captured in auto manufacturer of the year (local content) because of its immense contribution in the development of the local auto industry and other ancillary allied automotive component makers.

A major highlight of the event is the launch of the 2021 Nigeria Auto Journal.

Chairman of the Nigeria’s Auto Journalists Association, Mike Ochonma, said all vehicles nominated in the various categories represent exceptional value and designs.