NADDC AND EDO STATE GOVERNMENT TRAINED 50 WOMEN TECHNICIANS ON CNG CONVERSION

NADDC and Edo State Govt trained 50 Women Technicians on CNG Conversion.

The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and the Edo State Government have successfully concluded a comprehensive training program on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicle conversion for 50 women technicians on July 4th, 2025. This initiative aims to promote inclusive participation in Nigeria’s automotive and clean energy sectors, equipping women with skills in CNG conversion technology. The training was organised by the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) in collaboration with the Edo State Government, Lady Mechanic Initiative (LMI) and key federal stakeholders.

The event brought together dignitaries from federal ministries, state government representatives, and industry stakeholders to celebrate the culmination of this technical empowerment programme, designed to upskill women and advance clean energy solutions in line with Nigeria’s energy transition goals.

In his welcome remarks, the Director-General of NADDC, Mr. Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, reaffirmed the agency’s unwavering commitment to equipping women with the skills needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving automotive sector. He also expressed gratitude to Senator John Owan Enoh, Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, who was ably represented by his Senior Special Adviser on Strategic Communications, Mrs. Ifeoma Williams, for his continued support and leadership.

Delivering the keynote address, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Executive Governor of Edo State, praised the initiative and reiterated his administration’s dedication to skills development, industrial growth, and energy sustainability.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim, FSI, described the moment as historic in reshaping perceptions about women in Nigeria’s energy and industrial sectors. She stated, “This moment is more than a graduation; it’s a declaration of what’s possible when progressive policies meet courageous women. These 50 women are not just mechanics; they’re trailblazers and proof that the Renewed Hope Agenda is delivering real results.

Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Edo State, also delivered special remarks, reinforcing the state’s commitment to women-focused empowerment programmes.

The event featured goodwill messages from other notable dignitaries who expressed their strong support for the initiative and highlighted its significance in driving inclusive growth and sustainable development. Their collective remarks underscored the vital role of technical skills development, gender inclusion, and multi-stakeholder collaboration in achieving Nigeria’s industrial advancement and clean energy ambitions.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of empowerment tools and training certificates to the 50 newly trained women a symbolic step forward in their journey toward technical excellence and economic independence.

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ACHIEVEMENTS IN INUSTRIAL AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT

Introduction

The IID focused on advancing Nigeria’s  automotive industry through infrastructure development, skill acquisition, local content promotion, technical support, and policy implementation. Key responsibilities include:
• Developing industrial parks and auto production facilities
• Promoting skills development and job creation
• Supporting vehicle model appraisals
• Coordinating engineering efforts and component parts development
• Managing the informal automotive sector
• Promoting mechanic villages and training institutes

Highlights of 2024 Activities

A. Standards and Guidelines
• Validated National Occupational Standards (NOS) for auto gas and electric vehicles in partnership with NBTE.
• Designed guidelines for registration/licensing of CNG conversion workshops nationwide.
• Held national stakeholders’ engagement to finalize CNG workshop registration standards.

B. Infrastructure and Project Oversight
• Oversaw DG NADDC’s visit to Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti States, inspecting multiple NADDC projects and training centers.
• Completed design and began construction of the access road to NADDC Training Centre, Ikorodu.
• Restarted the Auto Service Hub project in Owerri, with land levy waived by the Imo State Government.
• Engaged in efforts to select PPP managers for NADDC Training Centres.

C. Equipment and Capacity Building
• Received and began installation of training tools at various NADDC centres.
• Partnered with suppliers for staff training on equipment use in Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, and Potiskum.

D. Youth and Technician Engagement
• Hosted a national youth conference on career prospects in the CNG automotive value chain, with over 500 participants and a car design competition.
• Conducted CNG vehicle conversion training in Ekiti State with Lanre Shittu Motors, empowering 45 technicians and converting cars for local institutions.

E. National Programs and Partnerships
• Licensed 70+ CNG conversion workshops across the country.
• Revived efforts on the Nnewi Automotive Industrial Park, with UNIDO reviewing the original Masterplan.
• Coordinated official commissioning of the NADDC Training Centre in Kano.
• Participated in the Anambra State Investment Summit.
• Held internal CNG conversion training for NADDC staff.

Conclusion

Despite funding limitations, the IID made significant progress in infrastructure development, youth empowerment, CNG adoption, and skill-building. Future efforts are poised to strengthen Nigeria’s role in the global automotive sector.

POLICY PLANNING STATISTICS ACHIEVEMENTS

INTRODUCTION

The Policy, Planning & Statistics (PPS) Department of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) made notable progress in 2024, advancing the Nigerian automotive industry through strategic policy development, comprehensive planning, and data-driven initiatives.

ACHIEVEMENTS

  1. Growth of Assembly Plants
    New assembly plants registered during the year increased the number of licensed companies to 85. These companies offer a wide range of brands, including partnerships with new Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). Thirty-seven (37) companies maintained production quality standards necessary for yearly license revalidation.   

  2. Revalidation and Processing of Licenses
    The department revalidated 23 licenses for existing local assemblers and processed 14 new applications for bonafide assembly licenses for new entrants into the sector.

  3. Ministerial Deliverables
    PPS submitted inputs to the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment for the first to fourth quarters of 2024, aligning its contributions with national targets.

  4. Study Tour to South Africa
    From January 21–27, 2024, PPS organized a study tour to South Africa, targeting key players in the South African automotive industry. The tour aimed to attract investment and catalyze sustainable growth in Nigeria’s automotive sector through collaborative sessions.

  5. Validation of End-of-Life (ELV) Vehicle Recycling Regulation
    In collaboration with the Legal Unit, PPS finalized and secured Federal Ministry of Justice approval for the ELV Recycling Regulation in February 2024, laying the foundation for Nigeria’s vehicle recycling industry.

  6. Stakeholder Dialogue Meeting
    On April 18, 2024, PPS organized a critical dialogue between Local Automotive Component Manufacturers and Assemblers/Manufacturers. The meeting fostered collaboration, encouraged backward integration, and generated stakeholder consensus to strengthen Nigeria’s automotive component manufacturing capabilities.

  7. Inauguration of NAIDP Implementation Committee
    The department facilitated the inauguration of the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) Implementation Committee on May 23, 2024. The committee is tasked with addressing implementation challenges and ensuring continuous monitoring and evaluation of the NAIDP’s progress.

  8. Engagement with Hejia Industrial Group
    On October 17, 2024, PPS hosted a meeting with Hejia Industrial Group and its subsidiaries, Chengdu Auto Parts Co., Ltd., and Chengdu Chengbao Development Co., Ltd., exploring collaboration opportunities in automotive parts manufacturing and vehicle inspection services.

  9. Participation at Nigeria-Morocco Business Week
    From October 29 to November 1, 2024, PPS facilitated the participation of the NADDC Director-General and delegation at the Nigeria-Morocco Business Week. The delegation engaged in keynote speeches, panel discussions, B2B meetings, and factory visits, strengthening industrial ties between both nations.

  10. Oversight Visit by House Committee on Industry
    From November 12–15, 2024, PPS coordinated an oversight visit by the House Committee on Industry to vehicle assembly plants in Lagos, showcasing the progress in the sector.

  11. Collaboration Meeting with Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP)
    On December 5, 2024, PPS convened a meeting with CREDICORP to explore partnerships aimed at making vehicle financing accessible and affordable for Nigerian consumers.

  12. Oversight Visit by Senate Committee on Industry
    From December 8–12, 2024, PPS facilitated another oversight visit, this time by the Senate Committee on Industry, further strengthening government support for local assembly plants.

  13. Automotive Industry Stakeholders Conference
    On December 16, 2024, PPS organized a major conference gathering industry players to critically review challenges hindering NAIDP 2023–2033 implementation and jointly propose actionable strategies to overcome these obstacles.

  14. Annual National Automotive Industry Statistics
    In December 2024, PPS conducted its annual data collection exercise. The initiative assessed the current state of automotive workshops, skilled mechanics, and auto-component manufacturers, providing insights into sectoral quality and performance.

CONCLUSION

In 2024, the PPS Department demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing Nigeria’s automotive industry through strategic planning, effective policy implementation, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven action. Their efforts have significantly advanced the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) 2023–2033, laying a solid foundation for future sector growth and sustainable development.