The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has trained 100 youths in mechatronics to fix petrol and CNG powered tricycles and motorcycles in Zamfara State.
The automotive center in Gusau was opened on Thursday by the Minister of State for Industry, John Owan Enoh.
A statement from the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the center and training came through a partnership between the NADDC and the Zamfara State office of the Made in Nigeria Special Project.
The statement mentioned that the Automotive Training Centres (ATCs) were set up in all six geo-political zones to give equal access to training and technical services.
In his speech at the event, Governor Dauda Lawal noted that advances in mechatronics, electric mobility, alternative fuel technologies, smart diagnostics, and digital systems are changing transportation around the world.
He said, “I warmly welcome the Hon. Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh; the Chairman of the NADDC Governing Board, Chief Emma Eneukwu; the Director-General and CEO of NADDC, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, along with our development partners and private sector representatives.
“I wish to express my profound appreciation to the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC). Through its visionary leadership and commitment to skills development, NADDC has continued to position Nigeria to become one of the world’s leading automotive manufacturing nations.
“I also commend (PADSON Group) Nigeria Limited, the Made-in-Nigeria Project Office, the program facilitators, and all stakeholders whose dedication and collaboration have made this project a reality.”
“As a government, we recognise that the future belongs to societies that invest in knowledge, innovation, and human capital development. It is therefore imperative that our youths acquire industry-relevant competencies that enable them to compete favourably in the rapidly evolving global economy.
“After assuming office in 2023, I visited NADDC in Abuja within a month to seek collaboration in equipping youths with practical automotive skills. I believe empowering youth with employable skills is vital to fight poverty, unemployment, and insecurity. I’m pleased that this vision has now materialised.
“Today marks a milestone in our commitment to youth empowerment, skills, technology, and economic growth in Zamfara State, opening doors to opportunities, innovation, self-reliance, and prosperity for our young people.”
The governor stressed that setting up the Center in Zamfara aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on youth development, industrialisation, and cleaner energy through the Presidential CNG Initiative.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Industry, Mr Owan, said the Federal Government has stepped up its talks with international investors and leading automotive manufacturers to create automotive industrial hubs and boost local production across Nigeria.
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