The Director General, National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr Joseph Osanipin, has challenged key players in the Nigerian automotive industry to improve local content in their assembly operations.
The DG, who was a special guest at the 2023 Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) Awards held in Lagos, said this would raise the bar of the auto industry, which, he stated, all hands must be on deck to make.
“Today, we are here to celebrate, however, we need to challenge ourselves with the future of the Nigeria automotive industry. We need to take the necessary steps to make these changes. It starts with us, we are the ones to determine where the automotive sector will be heading in Nigeria.”
Osanipin also used the opportunity to applaud NAJA for standing firm in promoting the local auto industry.
He challenged the awardees to consider components’ manufacturers in future NAJA awards projects.
Over 29 persons and companies who distinguished themselves in the industry were specially recognised and honoured in different award categories.
Toyota Nigeria Limited (TNL), Mikano Motors, Nord Automobiles, among others were awarded in different categories.
Nord was recognised as the Enterprising Indigenous Car Company of the Year 2023 while Mikano Motors and TNL clinched Most Innovative Auto Company and Pick Up of the Year 2023 respectively.
In addition, Toyota Landcruiser won Large Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) Of The Year, just as Toyota Hiace clinched Minibus of the Year.
Suzuki S-Presso won the Budget Car of the Year, Changan Uni-K won the Auto Design of the Year, JAC by Lanre Shittu Motors also won the Heavy Duty Truck of the Year, while Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing won the Assembly Plant of the Year awards.
Also, Weststar Associates Limited, authorised General Distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria, won the Luxury Brand of the Year, while Auto Workshop of the Year went to RT Briscoe.
