Key stakeholders in the Nigeria’s automotive industry have indicated their participation at the forthcoming second edition of the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA). The event, Nigeria Auto Industry Summit (NAISU) would hold on July 31, 2025 in Lagos, NAJA said. The statement said that the second edition of the summit, which would be held in conjunction with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), the Nigeria Association of Automotive Manufacturers (NAMA) and the African Association of Automobile Manufacturers (AAAM), is with the theme: ‘Nigeria First: Local Content as Catalyst for Automotive Economy.’ A statement by Mike Ochonma, Chairman of NAISU Planning Committee, said that the 2025 edition seeks to deepen national dialogue on local content integration as a vital pillar for the growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s automotive industry. The summit would also dwell on the Federal Government recently launched ‘Nigeria’s First’ initiative and the patronage of the locally assembled automobiles. Ochonma, explained that the summit aimed to bring together policymakers, regulators, manufacturers, traders, and the media to align on strategies that would transition the country from a largely import-dependent industry to a self-reliant automotive ecosystem. According to him, Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment would declare the event open, while Joseph Osanipin would act at the Chief Host. Ochonma, underscored the significance of this year’s theme, saying the summit was about action. “It’s about putting local content at the heart of Nigeria’s industrial road map. We are bringing regulators, customs officers, manufacturers, traders, and journalists into one room to foster synergy and policy cohesion. “Local content is not just policy language—it is the backbone of job creation, skills development, and industrial self-reliance. NAISU 2025 will challenge us to look inward for sustainable solutions,” he added. Also, prominent industry and government leaders expected to deliver presentations at NAISU 2025 include: Chief Anselm Ilekuba, Chairman, Association of Local Content Manufacturers (ALCMAN); Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS); Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, Director-General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON); Hon. Ngozi Emechebe, President, Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association (ASPAMDA). Besides, Theodore Opara, Chairman of NAJA, in the statement, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to promoting a knowledge-based transformation of the automotive industry. Opara emphaised that auto journalists recognised that information shapes policy, stressing that NAISU was the association’s contribution to fostering a well-informed, locally driven auto economy. “The future of Nigeria’s auto sector lies in how we harness our own resources, talent, and innovations. NAISU creates a vital forum where public and private stakeholders can collaborate and strategize for a resilient industry,” he added. The statement said NAISU 2025 would feature high-level keynote addresses, expert panel discussions, and strategic networking sessions. Key areas of focus would include: Custom Tariff Frameworks & Local Assembly Incentives; Supply Chain Localization & Small-Scale Manufacturing; Technology Transfer & Skilled Workforce Development; Regulatory Compliance & Standards Enforcement. The summit is expected to produce a set of actionable policy recommendations that could shape Nigeria’s automotive agenda for years to come. The Nigeria Auto Industry Summit is fast emerging as the leading annual platform for strategic automotive discourse in Africa’s largest economy. With growing participation from government agencies, local and international manufacturers, parts dealers, and trade associations, NAISU is poised to be a turning point for the country’s long-term industrial growth. Stakeholders interested in participation, sponsorship, or media engagement are encouraged to contact the NAJA Secretariat or visit the association’s official platforms for more details.