By Moses Akaigwe
The Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) has announced Thursday, December 14, 2023, as the date for its 2023 NAJA Auto Awards to be held at the prestigious Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The NAJA auto awards annually celebrates best players in the Nigerian auto industry, acknowledging the marketing achievements in both business-to-business and business-to-consumer markets of the auto industry in the country.
Winners in various categories who will be announced at the at the event are determined by experienced auto journalists and various auto experts in the country.
Speaking on the awards, chairman of the 2023 Award Planning Committee, Rasheed Bisiriyu, said the awards celebrates franchised new-car dealers for exceptional business performance as well as local car assembly plants for their effort in helping develop the local auto industry.
He said a panel composed of seasoned auto journalists and top experts in the industry are currently sieving through the list of nominees to decide eventual winners in various categories.
“The award programme illuminates the significant contributions dealer entrepreneurs make in positioning their brands for acceptability, especially in the area of after-sales services.
“Rivals brands are jockeying for position, pushing to offer the most tempting deals and competing for your car by buying cash. It’s just the way we like it. While the industry is recovering, however, many buyers are tightening their belts, so when it comes to new cars, affordability and low running costs are more important than ever.
“The Awards reflect that, but it doesn’t mean that cheap cars get an easy pass. As in past years, our category winners need to be the best across the board. There was a huge amount of talent on show this year, and our expert judges will work until the 11th hour to decide upon worthy winners,” he added.
Also commenting on the forthcoming awards, Chairman of NAJA, Mike Ochonma, expressed appreciation to all the stakeholders who have over the years been supportive of all NAJA activities.
On the awards, he said, “Our highly experienced team will choose the categories based on the kind of cars that the public are buying, then put their heads together to settle on the very best car in the categories.
He explained that the Award is to keep encouraging excellence and to celebrate the best and the brightest of the stakeholders, their products, and services in the country.
“NAJA Auto Awards is a prestigious programme that recognises and celebrates the achievements of the best and brightest in this industry, from suppliers to dealers and service providers,” he added.