By Daniels Ekugo
Nigeria’s automotive industry is set for an exciting contest as three leading Chinese carmakers — Changan, Jetour, and Chery — vie for the coveted 2025 Nigeria Car-of-the-Year award, marking a significant shift in the country’s evolving vehicle market.
The Nigeria Auto Journalists’ Association (NAJA) announced the finalists on Thursday, revealing the shortlist of standout models: the Changan CS55, Jetour Dashing, and Chery Tiggo 8.Last year’s champion, the Changan CS55 — which triumphed over favorites like the Toyota Corolla and Kia Rio — returns aiming to defend its title.
However, industry experts predict tough competition this year, with the Jetour Dashing and Chery Tiggo 8 gaining strong traction among Nigerian buyers.
The 2025 NAJA International Auto Awards ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the prestigious Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, commencing at 6 p.m. This event is renowned as Nigeria’s premier celebration of automotive innovation, craftsmanship, and excellence, attracting top government officials, industry leaders, and media representatives.
Theodore Opara, NAJA Chairman, highlighted the ground-breaking nature of this year’s lineup: “For the first time, Chinese brands aren’t just competing—they’re leading the industry. The quality, technology, and growing acceptance of these three models underline how rapidly the Nigerian auto sector is transforming.”
Opara explained that the judging panel focused on key criteria including innovation, durability, and suitability to Nigeria’s unique driving conditions.NAJA has yet to announce nominees for other award categories, which will cover areas such as vehicle assembly, electrification, aftersales, heavy-duty trucks, transport services, and luxury mobility — expected shortly.
Frank Kintum, Chairman of the Award Planning Committee, assured that preparations are on track to uphold NAJA’s reputation for integrity and authority in recognizing automotive excellence. “With rapid growth spanning electric vehicles to local manufacturing, it’s vital our awards reflect this expanding landscape,” Kintum said.
The ceremony will also welcome special guests Chief Joseph Oluwemimo Osanipin, Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), and the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). Osanipin, a strong advocate for local vehicle assembly and electric vehicle adoption, is poised to share the NADDC’s vision for Nigeria’s automotive future, while the FRSC Corps Marshal will promote intensified road safety awareness among industry stakeholders.
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