NADDC Begins Women Empowerment in the Nigeria Automotive Industry
In a bid to advance gender inclusion and technical skills development in the Nigeria Automotive Industry, the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), in collaboration with the Office of the Executive Governor of Edo State and the Lady Mechanic Initiative (LMI), organized a five-day specialized training on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicle conversion for women. The training commenced on June 30, 2025, in Edo State.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the NADDC’s Director General, Mr. Joseph Osanipin, represented by the Deputy Director, Industrial Infrastructure Department of the Council, Mrs Joke Onireti, expressed his delight at the initiative, describing it as a significant step towards promoting gender equality and economic empowerment in Nigeria’s automotive sector. He highlighted that training female technicians would greatly contribute to the growth of the auto industry, especially within the expanding CNG ecosystem. “It is now time for women to receive this training and contribute fully to the sector,” Osanipin stated.
The Founder of the Lady Mechanic Initiative, Engr. Sandra Aguebor (MFR), announced that over 50 women were enrolled for the training. She expressed gratitude to NADDC, and the Edo State Government for supporting the empowerment of women mechanics in the state. Engr. Aguebor also noted the increasing presence of women in technical roles nationwide, citing the example of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), which employs many female truck drivers.

Amina Gambo, Lady Mechanic Coordinator for Kano State, highlighted the benefits of CNG technology. She clarified to the audience that CNG is not the same as cooking gas; rather, it is carbon-free, clean, and safe for automotive use.
Also present at the event was Petronilla Isaac, the Lady Mechanic Coordinator for Imo State. She encouraged the participants to take the training seriously and make the utmost use of this valuable opportunity.
The Trainees expressed their enthusiasm and assured NADDC, the Edo State Government, and the Lady Mechanic Initiative of their commitment to succeed and to justify the trust placed in them.
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