OPEYEMI OLOTU
Nigeria’s automotive industry is gearing up for a night of prestige, fierce competition and high-profile recognition as two of the country’s top government officials confirm their attendance at the 19th Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) International 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, are set to headline the glamorous ceremony scheduled for Thursday, December 3, 2026, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Their confirmation has raised expectations for an event that promises to bring together Nigeria’s automotive heavyweights, including vehicle manufacturers, assemblers, distributors, policymakers and influential industry stakeholders.
For Osanipin, the occasion comes at a crucial period in Nigeria’s automotive development, as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to strengthen local vehicle production, attract investment and accelerate the transition towards cleaner mobility.
Under his leadership, NADDC has continued to champion initiatives aimed at boosting local assembly, developing technical capacity and positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in the emerging automotive technology landscape.
Equally significant is the expected presence of FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed as Special Guest, reinforcing the vital connection between automotive industry growth and road safety.
With vehicle technology evolving rapidly and Nigeria facing persistent road safety challenges, the participation of the nation’s chief road safety officer adds another dimension to the gathering.
Chairman of the 2026 NAJA Awards Planning Committee, Frank Kintum, described the confirmation of the two senior government officials as a major boost to preparations for the ceremony.
According to him, the committee is working towards delivering a memorable event that will celebrate outstanding achievements, technological innovation and professionalism across Nigeria’s automotive industry.
NAJA Chairman, Theodore Opara, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to rewarding organisations and individuals whose contributions are helping to reshape the country’s automotive landscape.
Now in its 19th edition, the NAJA International Auto Awards has established itself as one of Nigeria’s prominent automotive industry recognition platforms, celebrating excellence in vehicle manufacturing, assembly, distribution, after-sales services and emerging mobility technologies.
But beyond the distinguished guests and glamorous atmosphere, the biggest suspense may lie in the battle for the industry’s most coveted honours.
The prestigious Car of the Year category is expected to generate intense interest as established automobile brands and ambitious newcomers compete for recognition.
Other fiercely contested categories will include Bus of the Year, Pickup of the Year and SUV of the Year, alongside awards recognising achievements in commercial vehicles, alternative-energy mobility, after-sales services and individual contributions to industry development.
With competition intensifying across Nigeria’s automotive market, the awards promise to spotlight the brands and industry players setting the pace in innovation, performance and customer satisfaction.
As December 3 approaches, anticipation is building over which manufacturers will dominate the honours and which vehicles will emerge victorious.
One question is certain to dominate conversations among industry players: Who will drive away with Nigeria’s biggest automotive honours?
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