From Shuaibu Ibrahim, Gusau
The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has trained 100 youths in mechatronics to repair petrol and CNG-powered tricycles and motorcycles in Zamfara State.
The Automotive Training Centre in Gusau was commissioned on Thursday by the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh.
According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the centre and training programme were implemented through a collaboration between the NADDC and the Zamfara State Office of the Made-in-Nigeria Special Project.
The statement further noted that Automotive Training Centres (ATCs) have been established across all six geopolitical zones to ensure equal access to technical skills development nationwide.
In his remarks, Governor Dauda Lawal said advancements in mechatronics, electric mobility, alternative fuel technologies, smart diagnostics, and digital systems are reshaping global transportation.
He welcomed the 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; as well as development partners and private sector stakeholders.
Governor Lawal expressed appreciation to the NADDC for promoting skills development and positioning Nigeria toward becoming a leading automotive manufacturing nation.
He also commended PADSON Group Nigeria Limited, the Made-in-Nigeria Project Office, programme facilitators, and other stakeholders for their contributions.
According to him, investing in youth skills is essential for economic growth and for tackling unemployment, poverty, and insecurity.
He recalled that shortly after assuming office in 2023, he sought collaboration with the NADDC to empower youths with practical automotive skills, noting that the initiative has now become a reality.
The governor described the project as a milestone in youth empowerment and economic development in Zamfara State, adding that it aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in industrialisation, youth development, and cleaner energy through the Presidential CNG Initiative.
Earlier, Senator John Owan Enoh said the Federal Government is engaging international investors and major automotive manufacturers to establish industrial hubs and expand local production capacity across Nigeria.
