Lagos, where the cacophony of car horns and the aroma of street food blend seamlessly, one name stands out in the automotive landscape: Oluwatobi Ajayi, Joshua [MBA, FICA]. As the Chairman and CEO of Nord Automobiles Limited, Ajayi has not only carved a niche for himself but has also transformed the way Nigerians buy cars. Born in 1988 in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Oluwatobi Ajayi hails from a family with a deep-rooted connection to the automobile industry. His father, a car dealer and the sole owner of Squadron Motors, dealt in prestigious brands like Mercedes and Peugeot. It was here that young Oluwatobi drew inspiration and developed a passion for automobiles.
Ajayi’s educational journey took him from the Nigerian Navy School to Olabisi Onabanjo University, where he studied Soil Science and Farm Mechanization. Armed with knowledge and determination, he embarked on a path that would lead him to become a trailblazer in the Nigerian auto industry. His journey began during his mandatory NYSC program at Mercedes Benz Nigeria. Here, he honed his skills and gained invaluable insights into the automotive world. Ajayi’s dedication and expertise caught the attention of Mercedes, and he was retained as a full staff member. His responsibilities expanded to overseeing the Nigerian branch division, where he achieved remarkable sales figures and earned the trust of the firm’s staff.
In 2014, Oluwatobi Ajayi seized an opportunity to start his own venture. He became an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer, approved to sell Jet Van vehicles. However, his entrepreneurial spirit pushed him further. Ajayi envisioned something bigger — a brand that would resonate with Nigerians and redefine their car-buying experience. And so, Nord Automobiles Limited was born. Established in December 2020, Nord quickly gained prominence as one of Nigeria’s first indigenous automobile brands. Ajayi’s vision was clear: to provide quality, reliability, and affordability to Nigerian car buyers.
What sets Nord apart? It’s not just about selling cars; it’s about creating an experience. Ajayi and his team prioritize customer satisfaction, transparency, and trust. From Nord’s sleek showrooms to its efficient after-sales service, every aspect reflects their commitment to excellence. Nord offers a diverse range of vehicles, from compact city cars to rugged SUVs. Their lineup includes the A5 and Demir SUVs, designed to meet the needs of different customers. Ajayi’s goal is to normalize Nigerians buying brand-new vehicles, challenging the prevailing preference for foreign brand new and Tokunbo (used) cars.
As Nord Automobiles Limited continues to thrive, Oluwatobi Ajayi remains at the helm, steering the company toward greater heights. His story is of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment — an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs across Nigeria. Oluwatobi Ajayi stands as a beacon of progress, proving that with vision and determination, anything is possible.
