NADDC, SIMBA GROUP CONCLUDE FIVE-DAY MECHATRONICS TRAINING FOR AUTO TECHNICIANS IN EKITI STATE

NADDC, Simba Group Conclude Five-Day Mechatronics Training for Auto Technicians in Ekiti State

The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), in collaboration with Simba Group Nigeria, has successfully concluded a five-day Specialized Mechatronics Training Programme for Auto Technicians in Ekiti State. The training, which ran from Monday, July 7th to Friday, July 11th, 2025, was held at the NADDC Automotive Training Centre, Ado-Ekiti.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Director-General of NADDC, Mr. Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, expressed his delight at the successful completion of the programme. He highlighted that the training was designed to equip auto technicians, particularly those servicing motorcycles and tricycles, with advanced skills in the repair and maintenance of modern tricycles powered by both CNG and PMS. He noted that with technological advancements, these vehicles are now more electronic than mechanical, necessitating continuous upskilling of technicians.

The Director General further revealed that similar specialized mechatronics training programmes will soon be held in other states, including Kano, Osun, Borno, Adamawa, Imo, Niger, and Ebonyi, as part of NADDC’s commitment to bridge the skill gap and create job opportunities within Nigeria’s automotive industry.

“This initiative is part of our continuous effort to upskill technicians, create jobs for our youth, and ensure job retention and wealth creation in the auto sector,” he said.

“We want you to see this as an opportunity to expand your businesses and contribute meaningfully to the economy. I am particularly pleased to see women participating in this training.” he exclaimed.

Osanipin expressed profound gratitude to Simba Group Nigeria for their unwavering support, expertise, and commitment throughout the programme, describing their partnership as invaluable.

While he joyfully acknowledged the contributions of the Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency Hon. Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for his support and collaboration in delivering the training, NADDC Helmsman also congratulated the trainees on their commitment and passion to learn, stating that their new skills would elevate their careers and contribute significantly to the Nigerian automotive sector, especially in the area of CNG tricycle repair and maintenance. He emphasized that inadequate maintenance, often due to a lack of modern skills, has been a major cause of vehicle breakdowns and accidents, which the Council seeks to address through continuous training.

In his remarks, the Executive Governor of Ekiti State, ably represented by the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Chief Otunba Kayode Fasae commended NADDC for its consistent support in upskilling Ekiti youths, noting that the programme was the second training conducted in the state—the first being the conversion of PMS-powered vehicles to CNG. He urged the trainees not to sell their tools but to use them to expand their businesses. He further announced plans to extend future training opportunities to women and people with disabilities, in line with the government’s commitment to inclusive job creation.

Also speaking, Mr. Sumit Panda of Simba Group Nigeria reiterated the company’s dedication to supporting Nigeria’s automotive sector through continuous technical training. “This collaboration is not just about technical training but about upgrading your skills as technology evolves. Whenever we introduce new technologies, we will return to ensure you are updated,” he assured the trainees.

To date, NADDC, in collaboration with its partners, has trained over 15,000 technicians through the Simba Group Nigeria’s on Repair and Maintenance of Tricycles and Motorcycles Mechatronics Programme. The Council has also established 24 Automotive Training Centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, 16 of which are fully equipped, in line with the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) to strengthen skill development and support industrial growth.

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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.