Fed Gov’t Flags Off Construction of NADDC Automotive Training Centre in Akamkpa, Cross River State.

Fed Gov’t Flags Off Construction of NADDC Automotive Training Centre in Akamkpa, Cross River State.

On 29th August 2025, the Federal Government flagged off the construction of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) Automotive Training Centre at the University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa, Cross River State.

Speaking at the Groundbreaking Ceremony, the Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh-JOE, described the project as “a historic moment and a vital step in building skills, innovation, and economic empowerment for Cross River State and Nigeria.”

The Minister explained that the Centre is envisioned as a hub of excellence to drive human capacity development, skills acquisition, and standardized automotive services. He noted that it will help address unsafe vehicle repairs, reduce road accidents, and prepare Nigeria’s workforce for electric, CNG, and next-generation vehicles while aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on job creation, poverty eradication, and the digital economy.

The Chairman, NADDC Governing Board, His Eminence Chief Emma Eneukwu, reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to completing and equipping the facility to global standards under a sustainable Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. He called on government, industry, academia, and the private sector to support the initiative.

In his remarks, the Director-General of NADDC, Mr. Olu Osanipin Joseph, said the project is part of the Council’s mandate to build human capacity, deliver skills acquisition programmes, and provide standardized repair and maintenance services nationwide. He revealed that NADDC has so far established 21 Automotive Training Centres across the six geopolitical zones, with 16 already equipped with state-of-the-art tools.

Mr. Osanipin further emphasized that the new Akamkpa facility will play a crucial role in preparing Nigerians for the future of mobility, including electric, hybrid, and CNG-powered vehicles. He expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment for its continued support, and to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Prof. Patrick Nyong Asuquo, for providing land for the project.

“As we break ground today, I assure you that the Council will continue to collaborate with the University and all stakeholders to advance automotive development in Nigeria,” the DG stated.

With the foundation laid, the Akamkpa Automotive Training Centre is poised to become a game-changer in skills acquisition, safer mobility practices and youth empowerment in Nigeria’s automotive sector.

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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.