The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) is seeking to drive structured development in the automotive motorsport sector in Nigeria as a means of fostering innovation and creating job opportunities for the youth.
Speaking at Tinubu’s Turbo Fest 2026, organised by Naija Autosports in collaboration with the NADDC in Abuja, the Director General of the NADDC, Otunba Oluwemimo Osanipin, emphasised the deeper significance of the event, describing it as “a tribute to visionary leadership and a reflection of a New Nigeria driven by innovation, technical excellence, and youth potential.”
He noted that building sports vehicles in Nigeria would not only create job opportunities but also add value to the automotive economy, highlighting the importance of a structured development for the motorsport sub-sector.
Osanipin explained that motorsport has historically driven major technological advancements, stating that innovations such as Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS), traction control, turbochargers, and lightweight alloys were all refined through racing and have since transformed everyday mobility and safety.
He further stressed that Nigeria’s growing autosport community represents a “hidden reservoir of technical ingenuity” that must be harnessed through formalisation, regulation, and investment. According to him, the collaboration between NADDC and Naija Autosports is a strategic step toward transforming informal talent into a professional, safety-driven, and economically viable industry.
The DG also underscored 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 emphasised that building a structured motorsport ecosystem will not only enhance safety but also create a pipeline of skilled professionals, including engineers, technicians, and safety specialists.
Beyond its sporting appeal, 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, dedicated to celebrating Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s birthday, served as a symbolic alignment with the President’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.
As engines roared and talent took centre stage, Tinubu’s Turbo Fest 2026 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.
