The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), in partnership with Simba Group Nigeria, has successfully completed a five-day specialized mechatronics training program on the repair and maintenance of tricycles and motorcycles powered by both petrol (PMS) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). The closing ceremony of the program took place at Auto 360 Workshop, Makurdi, Benue State.
The training, which started on September 8, 2025, provided both theoretical and practical knowledge to over 70 auto-technicians and youths in Benue State.
The participants were taught advanced skills to service, troubleshoot, and maintain modern tricycles and motorcycles, particularly those equipped with electronic systems and dual-fuel technology that are becoming more common across Nigeria.
Speaking at the closing event, NADDC Director-General and CEO, Mr. Olu Osanipin Joseph, who was represented by the Director of the Industrial Infrastructure Department (IID), Dr. Nua Omisanya, restated the Council’s dedication to continuous skill development in the automotive sector.
He praised Simba Group Nigeria for its technical expertise and collaboration, the Benue State Government for its support, and the Benue State Investment Promotion Agency (BENIPA) for their involvement in the program. He also gave special recognition to Rt. Hon. David Agada Ogewu and Rt. Hon. Terseer Ugbor for their leadership and contributions to the initiative.
Mr. Osanipin congratulated the graduating trainees, urging them to use their newly acquired skills to grow their careers, strengthen Nigeria’s economy, and support the country’s move toward sustainable automotive technologies.
He further acknowledged the active involvement of the Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), the Automotive and Locomotive Engineers Institute (AutoEi), the Benue Tricycle Mechanics Association (BTMA), and the Motorcycle Mechanics Association of Benue State (MMAMBENS).
The Governor of Benue State, Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, represented by his Deputy, Bar. Samuel Ode, reiterated the State Government’s commitment to preparing young people with relevant technical knowledge that aligns with Nigeria’s transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
Bar. Ode assured participants that the State Government would go beyond celebrating their graduation, pledging to support them in becoming trainers who can pass on the knowledge to other youths across Benue.
“The number of technicians we have trained today is not enough to service the economy of Benue State. Therefore, we will engage and empower these graduates to train others, ensuring that more of our youths benefit from this knowledge,” he said.
He emphasized that this initiative would not only help strengthen the local economy but also position Benue State as an active contributor to Nigeria’s larger industrial and environmental development goals.
Also speaking at the event, the Regional Manager of Simba Group, Mr. Sameer Upadhyay, highlighted that the project is about more than technical training.
According to him, “This initiative is not just about imparting technical knowledge but about creating opportunities, building capacity, and strengthening the foundation of transportation and mobility in Benue State and across Nigeria.”
Simba Group further encouraged the graduates to see the training as a long-term investment in their future and urged them to serve as ambassadors of innovation and excellence in their various communities.