Automotive Council Pushes For Motorsport Devt In Nigeria

The director-general of the Nigerian Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Otunba Oluwemimo Osanipin, has asserted that building a vibrant sports vehicle industry in Nigeria would create job opportunities and add value to the automotive economy.

He stressed the importance of structured development in the automotive and motorsport sectors, citing global best practices where motorsport has driven technological advancements, such as Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) and lightweight alloys.

Osanipin said Nigeria’s growing autosport community represents a “hidden reservoir of technical ingenuity” that must be harnessed through formalisation, regulation and investment.

As part of measures to push the sector to national and global limelight, NADDC yesterday partnered with Naija Autosports to host Tinubu’s Turbo Fest 2026, a landmark event showcasing speed, innovation, and economic potential in the automotive sector.

The event, which was held at Eagle Square, Abuja, attracted high-level participation from government and industry leaders.

NADDC director-general described the event as a tribute to visionary leadership and a reflection of a New Nigeria driven by innovation, technical excellence, and youth potential.

The event featured participation from dignitaries, including Barr. Lopsak Longhas, representing the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Dr Aminu Nasir, chairman of the National Population Commission.

NADDC and Naija Autosports aim to transform informal talent into a professional, safety-driven, and economically viable industry.

The DG stressed the importance of safety, noting that organised motorsport provides a controlled environment that promotes best practices while discouraging unsafe alternatives such as illegal street racing. He added that building a structured motorsport ecosystem will create a pipeline of skilled professionals, including engineers, technicians, and safety specialists.

Tinubu’s Turbo Fest 2026 highlighted the vast economic opportunities within motorsport, stimulating job creation, attracting sponsorship and investment, boosting tourism, and supporting Nigeria’s broader industrialisation agenda. The event served as a symbolic alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for a modern, innovative, and globally competitive Nigeria.

Stakeholders noted that the energy, precision, and discipline showcased at the event reflect the administration’s commitment to empowering youth and driving sustainable development. The event stood not just as a celebration of speed, but as a clear signal that Nigeria is ready to shift gears toward innovation, safety, and economic growth powered by motorsport.

The NADDC DG reiterated that the collaboration with Naija Autosports is a strategic step toward transforming informal talent into a professional, safety-driven, and economically viable industry. He expressed confidence that the event would mark a turning point in Nigeria’s motorsport development.

The event featured high-octane racing action, showcasing Nigeria’s best drivers and automotive talent. The festival also included exhibitions, interactive displays, and opportunities for industry stakeholders to network and explore partnerships.

Tinubu’s Turbo Fest 2026 was dedicated to celebrating the birthday of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a driving force behind Nigeria’s development. The event was a testament to the President’s vision for a prosperous and innovative Nigeria.

As Nigeria’s motorsport scene continues to grow, stakeholders are optimistic about the sector’s potential to contribute to the country’s economic development. With NADDC’s support, the industry is poised to become a significant player in the global automotive scene.