FEMI OWOEYE
The Federal Government has stepped up its campaign to build Nigeria’s next generation of automotive technicians with the commissioning of a state-of-the-art National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) Automotive Training Centre in Birnin Kebbi and the graduation of 100 newly trained automotive professionals.
The latest facility, commissioned on Thursday, is the 24th Automotive Training Centre established by NADDC nationwide and signals the Federal Government’s determination to close the country’s automotive skills gap while preparing young Nigerians for careers in the fast-evolving world of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Electric Vehicle (EV) technologies.
Coming barely one month after the inauguration of a similar centre in Zamfara State, the new Kebbi facility reinforces the government’s aggressive push to create a highly skilled workforce capable of driving Nigeria’s automotive industrialisation agenda.
Speaking at the commissioning, NADDC Director-General, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, described the centre as a major investment in Nigeria’s human capital and a strategic platform for producing globally competitive automotive professionals.
He said the facility is equipped with modern training equipment designed to provide practical, industry-focused instruction for youths, artisans, technicians, students and automotive entrepreneurs.
According to him, the centre will not only produce certified technicians but also stimulate entrepreneurship, create jobs and strengthen implementation of the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) and the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Osanipin disclosed that trainees would receive hands-on training in next-generation automotive technologies, including CNG vehicle conversion, electric vehicle systems, advanced diagnostics and modern automotive mechatronics.
Declaring the facility open, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, described the project as another major milestone in the Federal Government’s industrial transformation programme.
He said the administration remains committed to expanding local vehicle production, promoting technology transfer, attracting global investors and accelerating the adoption of cleaner mobility technologies across the country.
Representing Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, the Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, commended NADDC for locating the centre in the state, describing it as an investment that would unlock employment opportunities for thousands of young people.
He noted that the graduation of the first batch of 100 trainees marked the beginning of a new era for automotive technical education in Kebbi, adding that the centre would serve as a regional hub for innovation, modern vehicle maintenance and green mobility technologies.
Also speaking, Chairman of the NADDC Governing Board, Chief Emma Eneukwu, described the project as a landmark investment that would tackle Nigeria’s shortage of skilled automotive technicians and engineers.
He said the centre would strengthen local capacity in vehicle diagnostics, maintenance, CNG conversion and electric vehicle technology while supporting indigenous vehicle assembly and maintenance across the North-West.
Presenting certificates to the graduates, Osanipin urged them to become ambassadors of technical excellence by applying their newly acquired skills with professionalism and integrity.
He reaffirmed NADDC’s commitment to expanding automotive training centres and strategic partnerships across Nigeria as part of efforts to create jobs, deepen industrialisation and position the country’s automotive sector for sustainable growth.
With the Kebbi facility joining the growing network of NADDC training centres nationwide, the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to ensure Nigerian youths are equipped not only for today’s automotive industry, but also for the technology-driven mobility revolution rapidly reshaping transportation around the world.
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