Dr. Queen Zara Abubakar, President of Naija Autosports, recently sat down with our Correspondent Abba-Eku Onyeka to discuss the state of autosports in Nigeria and why the industry needs government support.
Qtn: Can you give us an overview of autosports in Nigeria?
Ans: Autosports in Nigeria is at a transformational stage. Through my work with Naija Autosports, I’ve seen the passion and raw talent that exist here. What’s missing is structure, visibility, and strategic coordination. We’re laying the foundation for an organized ecosystem that supports drivers, attracts investors, and positions Nigeria competitively on the global autosports stage.
Qtn: What motivated you, a woman, to venture into this male-dominated field?
Ans: My journey was driven by purpose. I saw gaps in leadership, representation, and structure, and I took responsibility to build what was missing. Being a woman in this space is my strength, allowing me to lead with resilience and a bold mindset. I’m here to change the narrative and create opportunities for young women.
Qtn: How can autosports contribute to Nigeria’s economy?
Ans: Autosports have strong economic potential. We’re creating awareness, attracting interest, and opening conversations with stakeholders and investors. This can drive job creation, youth engagement, tourism, and international partnerships. We’re positioning autosports as a serious economic sector.
Qtn: What gives you confidence that you can drive growth in this industry?*
Ans: My confidence comes from what I’ve started building. I’ve established Naija Autosports, engaged stakeholders, and begun formalizing the industry. I’m committed to this vision and have the discipline to see it through.
Qtn: Can you tell us about the organizations you’ve managed and their impact?
Ans: As President of Naija Autosports, I’ve focused on building a platform that brings visibility and structure to the industry. We’ve created a recognized identity, supporting Nigerian talent and promoting drivers gaining international exposure.
Qtn: What’s your vision for the future, and how do?
Ans: I envision Nigeria as a leading autosports hub in Africa and a respected global player. We’re developing structured programs, creating driver development pathways, building partnerships, and attracting investment.
Qtn: What are the economic benefits, and how can Nigeria leverage them?
Ans: Autosports can drive economic growth, create jobs, and attract investment. We need to align policy, investment, and private sector participation to unlock this potential.
Qtn: How can sponsors and the government support autosports?
Ans: Sponsors are interested, but we need government support in infrastructure development, policy creation, industry regulation, and international affiliations. We’re building a platform for confident investment.
Qtn: What role can senators play in promoting autosports?
Ans: Senators can support by enabling legislation, establishing national autosports infrastructure, creating policies, funding youth development, and supporting global participation. This is about national development and global positioning.
Qtn: Can you highlight Nigerian talent in autosports?
Ans: We’re proud of Philip Gana, a Nigerian driver racing in the UK. The talent is here; we’re building the structure to support more Nigerians to succeed.
Qtn: How do you plan to attract more women into autosports?
Ans: As a woman in this field, I’m committed to creating opportunities for young women. We’ll provide training, mentorship, and support to encourage more women to join.
Qtn: What are the biggest challenges facing autosports in Nigeria?
Ans: Lack of structure, funding, and government support are major challenges. We’re working to address these through partnerships and advocacy.
Qtn: How can the government support autosports?
Ans: The government can support by providing infrastructure, policy backing, and funding for youth development programs.
Qtn: What makes you confident in the future of autosports in Nigeria?
Ans: I see the potential, the passion, and the talent. With the right support, we can make Nigeria a leading autosports nation.
Qtn: Can you share a success story from Naija Autosports?
Ans: We’re proud of our partnership with international bodies, which has opened doors for Nigerian drivers and brought recognition to our industry.
Qtn: How do you plan to engage with local communities?
Ans: We’ll work with local governments and organizations to promote autosports, support grassroots programs, and create opportunities for young people.
Qtn: What message do you have for Nigerians?
Ans: I’m building a platform for global relevance, economic growth, and generational impact. Join us in this journey, and let’s put Nigeria on the autosports map.
