By Theodore Opara

In one of the most celebrated nights on Nigeria’s automotive calendar, the 18th Nigeria Auto Journalists’ Association, NAJA, International Auto Awards recognised two transformative leaders in the nation’s burgeoning auto ecosystem, conferring them with the prestigious titles of Auto Personality of the Year.

Otunba Joseph Osanipin, the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, NADDC was honoured in the public sector category while Mr Oluwatobi Ajayi, Chairman and CEO of Nord Automobiles was honoured in the private sector category, marking the first time the award was shared by the two sectors.

The awards held at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, was attended by policy makers, 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.

The NADDC boss was recognised for his strategic leadership which ushered in industry growth and stability.

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 commended 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.

Mr Oluwatobi Ajayi, Chairman and CEO of Nord Motors, who clinched the award in the private sector was recognised for cementing his status as one of the most influential voices in nation’s automotive industry.

Ajayi’s journey from Mercedes-Benz Nigeria, Weststar Associates, 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.

Industry Outlook: Policy Meets Innovation
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.