In a bid to foster growth within Nigeria’s automotive sector, the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) participated in the first Research and Innovation Fair hosted by the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun (FUPRE) on 12th March 2025.
Themed “Innovation for Economic Growth”, the event brought together leading figures in academia, the private sector, and government to address the challenges and opportunities facing Nigeria’s automotive industry.
At the opening ceremony, NADDC Director-General, Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, emphasized the importance of collaboration among the public sector, private investors, and academia to bridge the gap between research and practical application. Osanipin shared that, over the past week, NADDC had visited three universities, focusing on identifying gaps in the industry and taking steps to close them.
“The research coming from our universities is critical, but it needs to be more than just papers – it must be transformed into real-world solutions. That’s why we’ve been intentional about bringing together these three stakeholders to work together,” Osanipin explained.
One of the primary goals of the partnership is to develop locally manufactured automotive components, which could create a sustainable market for the sector. “The components that go into a vehicle can be made here, and it’s the research work of our students that will drive this innovation,” said Osanipin.
Additionally, NADDC and FUPRE are partnering on the development of an off-grid green charging station for electric vehicles. Osanipin outlined that the station would use reverse engineering solar panels, showcasing local innovation and reducing reliance on foreign imports. This is part of a broader initiative to support Nigeria’s transition to green energy solutions in the automotive sector.
FUPRE’s Vice-Chancellor, Engr. Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, also spoke at the event, thanking NADDC for its support and commitment to developing the university’s automotive programs. “This fair is not just about showcasing student projects, but about demonstrating the caliber of graduates we produce and how they can directly contribute to the automotive industry,” Rim-Rukeh said.
The event also saw contributions from notable figures such as Arc Sonny Echono, Executive Secretary of TETFUND, and Olasupo Olusi, MD/CEO of Bank of Industry, represented by Mr. Raji. They highlighted the vital role of collaboration in building a sustainable automotive industry in Nigeria.
This partnership between NADDC and FUPRE represents a significant step toward innovation-driven growth in Nigeria’s automotive sector, with a focus on creating locally produced solutions and preparing the next generation of automotive engineers.
