Written By Aminu Dalhatu; Edited By Godwin Duru
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating Nigeria’s industrialization through the development of the automotive sector, with a strong emphasis on local vehicle production and skills development.
The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. John Owan Enoh, made this known during the inauguration of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) Automotive Training Centre in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.
The event also featured the closing ceremony of a Specialized Mechatronics Training programme focused on the repair and maintenance of petrol (PMS) and compressed natural gas (CNG) tricycles and motorcycles for one hundred youths across the state.
Mr. Enoh described the automotive industry as a key driver of industrialization, noting that the Ministry, in collaboration with the National Automotive Design and Development Council NADDC, is implementing the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan to boost local production and enhance national capacity.
He explained that the Federal Government has intensified engagements with international investors to establish industrial hubs and expand local manufacturing capabilities across the country.
According to him, the commissioning of the training centre demonstrated government’s determination to build a sustainable industrial base.
The Minister who noted that the facility represents more than just a learning centre, described it as a strategic intervention aimed at harnessing the potential of Nigerian youths through practical and industry skills.
He emphasized that the centre would help bridge the skills gap while addressing unemployment by producing a pool of trained manpower for the automotive sector.
The minister noted that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s policy direction of encouraging the patronage of locally made goods and supporting indigenous industries.
Mr. Enoh also lauded the Zamfara State Government for the ongoing infrastructural projects, including road development and airport project.
In his remarks, Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, expressed optimism that the centre has commenced operations on a strong footing and congratulated the 100 pioneer trainees who successfully completed the mechatronics training programme.
The governor revealed that, the state government is procuring about 200 electric vehicles to enhance inter-state transportation, adding that the training centre will serve as a technical hub for their maintenance and sustainability.
Lawal emphasized that investment in technical and vocational education remains one of the most effective strategies for reducing unemployment, promoting entrepreneurship, and boosting economic productivity.
He called on private sector organizations, development partners, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to collaborate with the state government in expanding opportunities for youth empowerment and skills development.
The governor further assured NADDC and its partners of the state government’s continued support in ensuring the sustainability and success of the centre.
Earlier, the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s automotive industry through skills development, technology transfer, and youth empowerment.
He explained that the Council has established similar training centres across the country to support skill acquisition, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the automotive industry.
According to him, the Gusau facility is fully equipped with modern tools to provide practical, industry-relevant training for youths, technicians, artisans, and entrepreneurs.
Osanipin stated that the centre aligns with the Federal Government’s industrialization agenda and will promote job creation, technical certification, and the development of a skilled workforce capable of meeting modern automotive demands, including emerging technologies such as CNG and electric vehicles.
