Oluwatobi Ajayi and Nord Automobiles: Driving Nigeria’s Automotive Future

At just 37, Oluwatobi Joshua Ajayi has become one of Nigeria’s leading automotive entrepreneurs. As the founder and CEO of Nord Automobiles, he is proving that Made-in-Nigeria vehicles can compete in quality, affordability, and durability while creating jobs and building local capacity.

From Mercedes-Benz to Made-in-Nigeria

Ajayi studied Soil Science and Farm Mechanization at Olabisi Onabanjo University before earning his MBA at Lagos Business School and an executive program certificate from IESE Business School, Spain.

His automotive journey began during his NYSC year with Mercedes-Benz Nigeria, where he quickly rose to head the van division. Between 2013 and 2015, he grew Mercedes’ van market share in Nigeria from less than 1% to nearly 7%, winning the Mercedes-Benz Best Sales Performance in Africa Award (2013).

In 2015, he co-founded Jetvan Automobiles Limited, but by 2018, Ajayi was ready to chase his bigger dream — building a proudly Nigerian auto brand. That dream became Nord Automobiles, officially unveiling its first models in December 2020.

Assembly Plants and Partnerships

Nord now operates several facilities:

  • Sangotedo Plant (Lagos) – the company’s main assembly hub.
  • Epe Facility (Lagos State) – expansion site for future production.
  • University of Lagos (UNILAG) Plant – opened in 2022 to foster innovation, research, and local component manufacturing.

This partnership with UNILAG is particularly important. It links academics with industry, ensures practical training for students, and supports Nigeria’s push for local automotive technology.

Vehicles Built for Africa

Nord has rolled out a diverse range of models designed for Nigerian roads:

  • Sedans & SUVs: Nord A3, A5, A7, and A9.
  • Pickups & Utility Vehicles: Nord Tank, Max, and Tusk.
  • Buses & Shuttles: Nord Yarn, Tripper, and Flit.

These vehicles are locally assembled and customized for African conditions, making them both affordable and practical for businesses and private owners alike.

Why Nord Matters

Nord Automobiles is more than a car company. It is part of a movement to create an African automotive industry that keeps more value, jobs, and technology on the continent.

By combining local assembly, strategic partnerships, and innovative product lines, Ajayi is showing what is possible for Nigerian manufacturing. If Nord continues on this path, scaling production, boosting local parts, and overcoming supply challenges, it could become a key player in Africa’s industrial future.

Interface Africa Magazine
Interface Africa Magazine
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