By Ekunkonye Junior, Abuja
On the 29th of March 2026, in Abuja at the prestigious eagle square, Nigeria witnessed a landmark moment in the evolution of its automotive and sporting landscape as Tinubu’s Turbo Fest 2026, organized by Naija Autosports in collaboration with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), delivered a high-impact showcase of speed, innovation, and economic potential at Eagle Square.
The event attracted high-level participation from government and industry leaders, including the Director-General of NADDC, Otunba Oluwemimo Osanipin whose presence underscored the Council’s strong commitment to advancing Nigeria’s automotive ecosystem and institutionalizing motorsport as a driver of national development.
In a powerful address, the Director-General of NADDC emphasized 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 of sports vehicles in Nigeria would not only create job opportunities, but also add value to the automotive economy, highlighting the importance of structured development in the automotive and motorsport sectors.
Drawing parallels with global best practices, the DG reiterated 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 formalization, 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 organized motorsport provides a controlled environment that promotes best practices while discouraging unsafe alternatives such as illegal street racing.
He emphasized 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.
Representing the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barr. Lopsak Longhas joined other distinguished dignitaries such as Dr. Aminu Nasir, Chairman of the National Population Commission; Da Dayyinu Adamu, National Coordinator of Naija Autosports; Dr. Zang Abubakar, President of Naija Autosports; Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission; and Engr. Ibrahim Okoro, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Naija Sport.
Also in attendance were the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industrial Training and Development, the entire management team of NADDC, and Alhaji Abdullahi Maina, Grand Patron of Naija Autosport.
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 industrialization agenda.
The event, dedicated to celebrating the birthday of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, 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 center 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.
