FG Commissions NADDC Automotive Training Centre, Graduates 100 Youths in Zamfara

The Federal Government has commissioned the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) Automotive Training Centre (ATC) in Gusau, Zamfara State, marking a significant step towards strengthening technical skills development, youth empowerment and the growth of Nigeria’s automotive industry.

The commissioning ceremony, held on June 11, 2026, also featured the graduation of 100 youths who successfully completed a specialised mechatronics training programme, underscoring the government's commitment to developing a skilled workforce capable of driving industrial growth and innovation.

The Automotive Training Centre was established by NADDC in collaboration with PADSON Industry Limited and the Zamfara State Government. The facility is designed to serve as a regional hub for automotive skills acquisition, technology transfer, innovation and workforce development, particularly within the North-West geopolitical zone.

Commissioning the facility, the Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, described the project as a practical demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to industrialisation, local content development and the implementation of the Nigeria First Policy.

According to the minister, the Centre will play a critical role in creating opportunities for technical advancement, entrepreneurship and innovation within Nigeria’s rapidly evolving automotive sector.

“This facility represents more than just a training centre. It is an investment in human capital, industrial development and the future of Nigeria’s automotive industry. It will help equip young Nigerians with the skills required to thrive in a technology-driven economy,” Enoh stated.

Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Dauda Lawal, commended NADDC for locating the project in the state, describing it as a strategic investment that would contribute significantly to human capital development, job creation and economic growth.

The governor noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and complements the state government's efforts to create sustainable opportunities for young people.

“This Centre will not only provide technical skills but also create pathways for entrepreneurship, employment and economic empowerment. It is a project that will positively impact many lives across Zamfara and the wider North-West region,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the NADDC Governing Board, Chief Emma Eneukwu, said the facility would provide valuable training opportunities for young people and help stimulate economic inclusion through entrepreneurship and technical education.

He expressed confidence that the Centre would become a catalyst for sustainable employment and innovation in the automotive sector.

In his welcome address, the Director-General of NADDC, Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, said the commissioning of the Automotive Training Centre reflects the Council’s determination to build the skilled workforce required to support Nigeria’s automotive transformation agenda.

Osanipin explained that the facility is equipped with modern training tools and industry-standard equipment designed to provide practical, hands-on learning for technicians, artisans, students and aspiring automotive entrepreneurs.

“The automotive industry is evolving rapidly, and there is a growing need for highly skilled professionals who can support emerging technologies and innovations. This Centre is designed to bridge that gap by providing quality, industry-driven training that meets global standards,” he said.

A major highlight of the event was the graduation of 100 youths who completed a specialised mechatronics training programme focused on the maintenance and repair of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered tricycles and motorcycles.

The graduates received certificates in recognition of their successful participation in the programme, equipping them with technical skills expected to enhance their employability and entrepreneurial prospects.

The initiative represents another milestone in NADDC’s efforts to promote skills acquisition, technical education, adoption of alternative energy vehicles and sustainable economic opportunities for Nigerian youths, while supporting the broader goal of developing a globally competitive automotive industry.