Preparations have been concluded for the 2025 Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) Awards, scheduled to take place today, Tuesday, December 16, at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos, organisers have said.
Widely regarded within the motoring industry as Nigeria’s foremost automotive honours, the annual event is expected to bring together leading vehicle manufacturers, regulators, distributors, mobility innovators and other key stakeholders for an evening dedicated to reviewing progress and recognising excellence across the sector.
Chairman of the NAJA Awards Organising Committee, Frank Kintum, said the 2025 edition comes at a critical point for the industry, describing this year’s contest as one of the most competitive in recent times. According to him, the past year has seen notable changes in the market, ranging from the expansion of electric mobility to new vehicle introductions and increased investments in after-sales services.
“This year’s awards will reflect the transformation we are seeing in the industry and celebrate the individuals and organisations driving that change,” Kintum said. He added that beyond honouring outstanding performance, the ceremony provides a platform for industry players to interact, share ideas and examine emerging trends shaping mobility in Nigeria.
Among the dignitaries expected at the event are 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 relevance of the awards to national road safety, regulatory development and efforts to strengthen local vehicle production.
Kintum noted that the involvement of both agencies highlights a shared commitment to improving safety standards, enhancing regulation and supporting the growth of Nigeria’s domestic automotive industry.
Senior executives from several major automotive and mobility companies have also confirmed attendance. These include Toyota Nigeria, Coscharis Motors, Weststar Associates (Mercedes-Benz), Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, Carloha Nigeria, Briscoe Motors, Jet Systems, SAGLEV Electric Vehicles, Stallion Group, Industrial Project International, Dangote Sinotruk West Africa, Jetour Auto, GUO Motors, CEDRIC and JeGo Electric Mobility, among others.
This year’s awards will recognise achievements across multiple categories, covering areas such as innovation, customer experience, vehicle safety, sustainable mobility, leadership in commercial vehicles, after-sales service and local manufacturing.
Electric vehicle makers and mobility technology startups are expected to feature prominently, reflecting their growing influence as Nigeria gradually shifts towards cleaner and more technology-driven transport solutions.
NAJA Chairman, Theodore Opara, said the awards have become an important tool for promoting best practices and improving standards within the industry. “The NAJA Awards have evolved into a benchmark for excellence, encouraging brands to raise the bar in safety, service quality, technology and customer satisfaction,” he said.
As industry stakeholders gather in Lagos, the 2025 NAJA Awards are expected to go beyond recognition, serving as a hub for networking, policy discussions and partnerships that could shape the future direction of Nigeria’s automotive ecosystem.




