The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to developing the skills, talents, and productive capacity of Nigerian youths, while strengthening the automotive industry as a key pillar of national industrial development. This commitment was reaffirmed at the inauguration of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) Automotive Training Centre in Ebonyi State. The Minister of State for Industry, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, described the facility as an investment in people, technology, and the future of Nigeria's automotive industry.
The NADDC Automotive Training Centre in Ebonyi State is designed to provide young Nigerians with practical, industry-relevant training in automotive technology, vehicle diagnostics, repairs and maintenance, mechatronics, and emerging automotive technologies. Senator Enoh noted that meaningful industrial transformation cannot be achieved without a skilled workforce, stressing that the Federal Government's Automotive Policy places emphasis on increasing local vehicle production, developing local content, promoting technology transfer, and building the technical capacity required to position Nigeria as a competitive automotive manufacturing and servicing hub.
The establishment of Automotive Training Centres across the six geopolitical zones is designed to promote equity, inclusion, and balanced national development by ensuring that young Nigerians, regardless of their geographical location, have access to employable and entrepreneurial skills in the automotive sector. Senator Enoh highlighted the strategic importance of Ebonyi State and the wider South-East region, noting the area's enterprising population, commercial activities, and emerging industrial potential. According to him, the Centre could transform the region's existing strengths in entrepreneurship, vehicle repairs, spare-parts distribution, and technical craftsmanship into modern and internationally competitive automotive enterprises.
The Minister urged NADDC to ensure that the value of the Centre is measured by the quality and impact of activities taking place within the facility rather than the infrastructure alone. He called for continuous upgrading of training equipment, modern curricula, competent instructors, and stronger partnerships with automobile manufacturers, assemblers, component producers, technical institutions, and private-sector operators. He also stressed the importance of connecting graduates with employment, entrepreneurship opportunities, further training, and relevant government interventions.
The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, described the Centre as a strategic investment in the future of the State and Nigeria's automotive technology ecosystem. He stated that the facility is not an extension of the conventional mechanic workshop, but a deliberate investment in the hands that would repair vehicles, the minds that would diagnose automotive systems, the engineers who would design solutions, and the entrepreneurs who would establish businesses and create employment opportunities.
The Chairman of the NADDC Governing Board, Chief Emma Eneukwu, described the commissioning as a demonstration of the Federal Government's commitment to translating the Renewed Hope Agenda into tangible opportunities for Nigerians, particularly young people in the South-East. He commended the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment for its continued support to NADDC and appreciated the Government and people of Ebonyi State for their partnership, cooperation, and hospitality.
The Director-General/CEO of NADDC, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, described the commissioning as a significant milestone in the Council's efforts to develop a highly skilled and productive automotive workforce for Nigeria. He explained that the establishment of Automotive Training Centres across the six geopolitical zones forms part of NADDC's mandate to facilitate the sustainable development of the Nigerian automotive industry through the effective utilisation of local human and material resources.
Key points
- The Federal Government has opened the NADDC Automotive Training Centre in Ebonyi State to develop a skilled workforce for Nigeria's automotive industry.
