Nigeria’s leading automobile brands, manufacturers and industry players are gearing up for competition as nominations open for the 19th Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) International Auto Awards, with the coveted Car of the Year title expected to headline the December 3 ceremony in Lagos.
The annual awards, scheduled to hold at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, will recognise outstanding brands, organisations and individuals whose products, services and contributions have helped shape the country’s automotive industry.
With nominations now underway, attention is expected to focus on the Car of the Year category, one of the most closely watched prizes at the event, as competing automobile brands seek recognition in an increasingly competitive market.
Other categories will celebrate achievements across vehicle manufacturing and assembly, commercial transportation, alternative-energy mobility, after-sales services, automotive distribution and individual contributions to industry development.
The awards come at a critical period for Nigeria’s automotive sector, which is contending with changing consumer preferences, rising vehicle costs, technological innovation, growing interest in electric and compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, and renewed efforts to strengthen local manufacturing.
Chairman of the 2026 NAJA Awards Planning Committee, Frank Kintum, said the committee was committed to delivering a ceremony that reflects the growing relevance of the automotive industry.
He described the awards as an important platform for recognising brands, organisations and individuals making significant contributions to the development of the sector.
According to him, the 19th edition is being planned to be bigger and more glamorous than previous ceremonies, while maintaining the credibility and professional standards associated with the event.
The organisers said nominated products, brands and personalities would be assessed under their respective categories, with winners determined in line with the association’s approved award modalities.
NAJA Chairman, Theodore Opara, said the awards were designed to go beyond celebrating established market leaders to recognise organisations and individuals demonstrating measurable excellence and making meaningful contributions to the automotive ecosystem.
He added that the credibility of the evaluation process had strengthened the awards’ relevance as a benchmark for recognising excellence within the industry.
2025 winners set competitive benchmark
The outcome of the 2025 edition offers an indication of the level of competition expected at this year’s event.
At the 18th NAJA International Auto Awards, held on December 16, 2025, at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, the Jetour Dashing emerged Car of the Year, beating the Changan CS55 and Chery Tiggo to the prestigious title.
The victory further highlighted the growing competition among automobile brands seeking to win over Nigerian consumers through vehicle design, technology, performance and affordability.
Mikano Motors also emerged a major winner, clinching Auto Company of the Year, while its Changan CS55 secured the Midsize SUV of the Year award.
Toyota Nigeria’s Isolo facility won Workshop of the Year, while the Toyota Hilux and Toyota Hiace emerged Pick-Up of the Year and Minibus of the Year, respectively.
Other notable winners included Dangote Sinotruk as Heavy-Duty Truck Brand of the Year, Iron Products Industries Limited as Truck Assembler/Body Builder of the Year, Lanre Shittu Motors as Truck Plant of the Year and Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing as Passenger Car Assembly Plant of the Year.
In the alternative-energy category, SAGLEV emerged EV Brand of the Year, while Jet Automobiles won CNG Vehicle Assembler of the Year. NORD Automobiles was named Fastest Growing Auto Brand of the Year.
Carloha Nigeria secured the Auto Aftersales Company of the Year and Pre-owned Company of the Year awards, while Winpart by CFAO won Auto Aftersales Service Provider of the Year for parts and workshop services.
Individual contributions were also recognised, with NORD Automobiles Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Oluwatobi Ajayi, emerging Auto Personality of the Year in the private-sector category.
National Automotive Design and Development Council Director-General, Joseph Osanipin, received the corresponding public-sector recognition.
The diversity of the winners reflected the expanding scope of the awards, which recognise achievements beyond passenger vehicles to include commercial transportation, local assembly, workshop operations, alternative-energy mobility and automotive business development.
Industry expectations rise
The 2026 edition is expected to provide a platform for assessing how automobile businesses and industry stakeholders are responding to the changing dynamics of the Nigerian market.
With electrification, CNG adoption, local vehicle assembly, after-sales support and evolving government policies increasingly influencing the sector, recognition at the awards could provide a significant boost to participating brands and organisations.
For automobile manufacturers and distributors, winning a major category offers an opportunity to strengthen brand visibility, market credibility and consumer confidence. Recognition for assembly plants, service providers and commercial vehicle operators would equally highlight the importance of the wider automotive value chain.
The organisers have therefore encouraged automobile brands, manufacturers, distributors and other industry stakeholders to participate in the nomination process as preparations intensify for the December ceremony.
With the previous winners setting a competitive benchmark, the focus now shifts to the brands, companies and personalities expected to emerge at the 19th NAJA International Auto Awards on December 3, 2026.
