The federal government, through the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), on Thursday unveiled its Automotive Training Centre in Potiskum, Yobe State, and concluded a five-day intensive mechatronics training programme focused on the repair and maintenance of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) tricycles and motorcycles. The programme was organised in collaboration with Simba Group Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of State for Industry, John Owan Enoh, described the facility as “a symbol of hope and self-reliance,” noting that it is designed to equip young people with industry-relevant skills required to compete in a rapidly evolving global automotive ecosystem. He emphasized the strategic importance of the automotive industry as a catalyst for industrialization and economic diversification, in line with the NAIDP’s targets of increased local vehicle production, higher local content, electric vehicle adoption, and the creation of up to one million jobs.
In his remarks, the NADDC Board Chairman, His Eminence Emma Eneukwu, reiterated that the initiative reflects NADDC’s pivotal role in creating an enabling environment for the automotive industry through strong collaboration among government, industry, and academia. He added that the NADDC Governing Board remains committed to maintaining global standards through continuous equipment upgrades, curriculum alignment with international best practices, and industry-driven training outcomes.
The Director-General of NADDC, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, stated that the newly commissioned centre, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, is part of NADDC’s nationwide network of 23 Automotive Training Centres established to promote skills development, youth employment, and the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s automotive industry.
He noted that the project aligns with the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) 2023 and supports the Federal Government’s drive for local manufacturing, job creation, and cleaner energy through CNG vehicle adoption under the Presidential CNG Initiative.
The training programme successfully equipped youths and auto-technicians drawn from across Yobe State with both practical and theoretical skills to service modern PMS- and CNG-powered vehicles, positioning the Potiskum centre as a critical hub for human capacity development in the North-East. NADDC acknowledged the support of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the Yobe State Government under the leadership of Mai Mala Buni, and other key stakeholders, while reaffirming its commitment to building a globally competitive and sustainable Nigerian automotive industry.
The commissioning of the Automotive Training Centre in Potiskum represents a major launchpad for youth empowerment, skills development, and the strengthening of Nigeria’s automotive sector, while advancing the nation’s broader industrialization and sustainable development goals.
