Two key drivers of Nigeria’s automotive transformation took centre stage on one of the industry’s biggest nights, as the Nigeria Auto Journalists’ Association (NAJA) crowned the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Otunba Joseph Osanipin, and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nord Motors, Oluwatobi Ajayi, as Auto Personalities of the Year in the public and private sectors respectively.
The honours were conferred at the 18th NAJA International Auto Awards held at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event attracted policymakers, automotive executives, manufacturers, assemblers, media professionals and innovators from across Nigeria’s automotive value chain.
Otunba Joseph Osanipin was recognised for his strategic leadership at the helm of the NADDC, where NAJA said he has played a pivotal role in shaping policy frameworks, strengthening local vehicle assembly and advancing alternative energy solutions in the automotive sector.
According to the association, Osanipin’s tenure has helped position Nigeria’s automotive industry as a key driver of industrialisation and economic growth.
Under his leadership, the council has prioritised policy advocacy, industry development and capacity building aimed at deepening domestic value chains and reducing dependence on vehicle imports.
NAJA also cited the NADDC’s growing emphasis on alternative fuels and green mobility as a major factor in the award, noting that the initiatives align with Nigeria’s broader energy transition and sustainability goals.
In his acceptance speech, Osanipin commended NAJA for its role in promoting informed discourse within the industry. He described automotive journalism as critical to transparency, innovation and accountability, and called for stronger collaboration between the media and government to accelerate the sector’s growth.
READ ALSO: Changan CS55, Kia Seltos Shine at 2025 NAJA International Auto Awards in Lagos
In the private sector category, Oluwatobi Ajayi of Nord Motors emerged as Auto Personality of the Year, a recognition that industry observers say reflects his growing influence in redefining Nigeria’s automotive landscape.
Ajayi’s career spans senior roles at Mercedes-Benz Nigeria, where he rose to Head of the Vans Division, before co-founding Jetvan and later leading Nord Motors. His leadership has been characterised by a strong commitment to local manufacturing, technological innovation and the development of Nigerian-owned automotive brands in a market traditionally dominated by imports.
One of the highlights of Ajayi’s recent achievements is the launch of Tavet Motion, Nord Motors’ electric vehicle subsidiary, and the unveiling of three locally assembled EV models — Luto, Garent and Vant. The move is widely seen as a bold statement of Nigeria’s entry into the electric mobility space.
Industry analysts say Ajayi’s recognition underscores the increasing role of private-sector innovators in driving sustainable mobility, job creation and technological advancement across Africa.
Beyond the personality awards, the 2025 NAJA Auto Awards celebrated excellence across multiple segments of the automotive industry. Jetour Dashing was named Nigeria’s 2025 Car of the Year, reflecting growing consumer appetite for modern, technology-driven vehicles.
Mikano International emerged as Auto Company of the Year, while Toyota Nigeria’s Isolo facility was honoured as Workshop of the Year. Indigenous manufacturers and assemblers, including Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing and Iron Products Industries Limited, also received awards, highlighting the steady growth of local production capacity.
Electric vehicle-focused brands and new market entrants featured prominently among the award recipients, signalling increasing attention on future mobility solutions, even as internal combustion engine vehicles continue to dominate the market.
The NAJA awards come at a critical time for Nigeria’s automotive industry, as it aligns with national objectives on sustainable transportation, industrial expansion and employment generation. With government commitments toward zero-emission vehicles by 2040 and renewed focus on local EV production, the sector is undergoing rapid transformation.
The recognition of Osanipin and Ajayi reflects a convergence of policy leadership and entrepreneurial innovation that many stakeholders believe will shape Nigeria’s automotive future over the next decade.
As the industry honours its standout performers, observers say the awards represent more than personal achievements. They mark significant milestones in Nigeria’s ongoing journey from import dependence to innovation-led automotive growth.