Changan CS55, Kia Seltos Shine at 2025 NAJA International Auto Awards in Lagos

The 2025 NAJA International Auto Awards celebrated innovation, resilience, and excellence in Nigeria’s automotive industry at a star-studded ceremony held at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event drew key stakeholders from across the nation’s automotive value chain, highlighting the sector’s growth and evolving competitive landscape.

The Changan CS55 emerged as the winner in the Midsize SUV category, adding another accolade to its collection after being named Nigeria’s New Car of the Year at last year’s 17th edition of the awards. The compact crossover SUV outperformed strong competitors, including the Kia Sonet and Chery Tiggo, underlining its continuing appeal among Nigerian drivers. Changan vehicles are marketed and locally assembled in Nigeria by Mikano Motors, a development reflecting the increasing significance of domestic assembly in the country’s automotive strategy.

In the Compact SUV category, the Kia Seltos claimed top honours, edging out rivals such as the Toyota Prado, Changan CS55, and Chery Tiggo. Industry analysts noted that the Seltos’ bold styling, practicality, and versatility have cemented its popularity with modern drivers.

The awards also recognised corporate and industrial leadership within Nigeria’s automotive ecosystem. Mikano Group was named Auto Company of the Year, while Iron Products Industries (IPI) Limited received the Truck Assembler/Body Builder of the Year award. Lanre Shittu Motors (JAC) was honoured as Truck Plant of the Year, and Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) secured Passenger Car Assembly Plant of the Year. These accolades underscore the growing depth of indigenous participation in vehicle assembly and manufacturing across the country.

READ ALSO: Innoson, Mikano, GAC compete for Assembly Plant of the Year at NAJA Awards

Speaking at the ceremony, Otunba Joseph Osanipin, Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), commended NAJA for sustaining a credible platform that promotes accountability, transparency, and excellence within the sector.

NAJA Chairman, Mr. Theodore Opara, described the awards as a benchmark for performance, noting that Nigeria’s automotive industry continues to evolve amid policy reforms, technological innovation, and changing consumer expectations.

The 2025 awards reinforced the pivotal role of leading automotive brands and local assemblers in strengthening Nigeria’s transportation and industrial backbone while celebrating outstanding achievements across the automotive ecosystem.