NAJA Promises Bigger, More Glamorous 19th Auto Awards December 3

The Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) has announced Thursday, December 3, 2026, as the date for the grand finale of its 19th annual awards, promising a bigger and more glamorous celebration of excellence in Nigeria’s automotive industry.

The highly anticipated event is scheduled to hold at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, bringing together leading automobile manufacturers, distributors, dealers, financial institutions, policymakers, motoring enthusiasts and other key stakeholders in the sector.

The organisers said the 2026 edition is being carefully planned to surpass previous editions in scale, organisation and glamour, while maintaining the credibility and professional standards associated with the awards.

Speaking on preparations for the event, Chairman of the 2026 NAJA Awards Planning Committee, Frank Kintum, said the committee was determined to deliver a ceremony worthy of the growing importance of Nigeria’s automotive industry.

Kintum described the awards as an important platform for recognising individuals, brands and organisations that have made significant contributions to the development of the automobile sector.

He said the 19th edition would be “bigger and more glamorous” than previous editions, adding that the committee was working to ensure that every aspect of the ceremony reflects the quality and achievements of the industry.

According to the committee, the 2026 awards process will involve the assessment of products, brands and personalities across relevant segments of the automotive industry, with the final outcomes determined in line with approved NAJA awards modalities.

Also speaking on the 2026 awards, NAJA Chairman, Theodore Opara, said the objective was not merely to celebrate the biggest players in the market, but to recognise individuals and organisations that had demonstrated measurable excellence and made meaningful contributions to the growth of the sector.

Opara noted that the awards were becoming an increasingly important reference point for stakeholders because of the credibility attached to the judging and evaluation process.

With Nigeria’s automotive industry undergoing significant changes driven by technology, electric mobility, local vehicle manufacturing, changing consumer preferences and evolving government policies, the organisers said the 2026 awards would provide an avenue to celebrate those helping to shape the future of the industry.

The association urged automobile brands, industry players and other stakeholders to participate actively in the awards process as preparations gather momentum.