Benson Uwatse joins Ade.Ojo, Maduka as Nigeria Auto Legends

The Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) has nominated Chief Benson Uwatse, Chairman of Weststar Associates Limited, for the prestigious Nigeria Auto Legend Award at the 19th Nigeria Auto Industry Awards, in recognition of his longstanding contributions to the development of Nigeria’s automotive industry.

The nomination places Uwatse among an exclusive group of industry leaders whose vision, investments and business achievements have helped shape the country’s automobile sector over several decades.

He becomes the third prominent automotive personality to receive the special industry recognition, following Chief Michael Ade.Ojo, Chairman of Toyota Nigeria Limited, and Dr Cosmas Maduka, President and Chief Executive Officer of Coscharis Group.

Uwatse’s nomination highlights his more than three decades of involvement in the automotive business, particularly his contributions to the growth, distribution and representation of the globally renowned Mercedes-Benz brand in Nigeria.

As Chairman of Weststar Associates Limited, the authorised general distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria, Uwatse occupies a strategic position in the country’s premium and luxury automobile market.

Weststar oversees Mercedes-Benz operations in Nigeria, covering passenger cars, commercial vehicles, trucks and buses. Its responsibilities also include dealer support, marketing, technical training, genuine spare parts distribution, warranty administration and after-sales services.

The company officially commenced operations in February 2008, taking responsibility for Mercedes-Benz sales and after-sales operations in Nigeria.

Through its authorised dealership network, Weststar provides vehicle sales, maintenance and technical support to customers across different parts of the country.

Uwatse’s experience in the industry also includes leadership responsibilities within the Mercedes-Benz dealership network, notably as Managing Director of MB Automobile Services Limited, one of the authorised Mercedes-Benz dealers in Nigeria.

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His extensive experience in premium automobile distribution, customer relations and brand development has made him a notable figure in the country’s automotive business.

The Nigeria Auto Legend Award is reserved for personalities whose contributions transcend routine business activities and have made significant impacts on the growth, investment, innovation and advancement of the Nigerian automotive industry.

Chief Ade.Ojo, founder of Elizade Nigeria Limited and Chairman of Toyota Nigeria Limited, was the first recipient of the special recognition in 2017.

His selection acknowledged decades of investment, entrepreneurship and commitment to the development of Nigeria’s automobile market, particularly through the establishment and expansion of Toyota’s presence in the country.

Dr Maduka subsequently received the honour for his remarkable entrepreneurial journey and contributions to the automotive sector.

Under his leadership, Coscharis evolved from a modest automobile trading venture into one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous business conglomerates, securing distribution franchises for internationally recognised brands, including BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and Ford.

Uwatse’s emergence as the third recipient further reinforces NAJA’s commitment to recognising industry pioneers and business leaders whose investments, expertise and leadership have contributed significantly to the evolution of Nigeria’s automotive landscape.

The 19th Nigeria Auto Industry Awards, organised by NAJA, is scheduled to hold on Thursday, December 3, 2026, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The annual event attracts automobile manufacturers, distributors, dealers, policymakers, regulators, industry professionals and other stakeholders to celebrate outstanding achievements and recognise excellence across Nigeria’s automotive and transportation sectors.

The 2026 edition is expected to provide another platform for celebrating industry achievements, strengthening stakeholder relationships and promoting investment and innovation in the Nigerian automotive sector