Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The Minister of State for Industry, Senator Senator John Owan Enoh-Joe, has commissioned the National Automotive Design and Development Council, NADDC, Automotive Training Centre, ATC, in Gusau, Zamfara State, and witnessed the graduation of 100 youths on Specialized Mechatronics Training Programme, reinforcing its commitment to skills development, youth empowerment and the growth of Nigeria’s automotive industry.
Established by NADDC in partnership with PADSON Industry Limited and the Zamfara State Government, the Centre is designed to serve as a hub for automotive skills acquisition, technology transfer, innovation and workforce development across the North-West region.
Commissioning the facility, the Minister described the project as a reflection of the Federal Government’s commitment to industrialization, local content development and the Nigeria First Policy. He noted that the Centre would create opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship and technical advancement within the automotive sector.
The Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Dauda Lawal commended NADDC for bringing the initiative to Zamfara State,describing the Centre as a strategic investment in human capital development, job creation and economic growth. He added that the project aligns with both the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the state’s development priorities.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the NADDC Governing Board, Chief Emma Eneukwu, said the Centre would provide valuable training opportunities for youths across the North-West, helping to promote entrepreneurship, economic inclusion and sustainable employment.
In his welcome address, the Director-General of NADDC, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, stated that the Centre underscores the Council’s commitment to building a skilled workforce to support Nigeria’s automotive transformation. He noted that the facility is equipped with modern training tools and equipment to provide practical, industry-driven learning for technicians, artisans, students and automotive entrepreneurs.
The event also featured the graduation of 100 youths who successfully completed a specialised mechatronics training programme on the maintenance and repair of PMS and CNG-powered tricycles and motorcycles. Certificates were presented to the participants, marking another milestone in NADDC’s efforts to promote skill acquisition, technical education, new energy adoption and sustainable economic opportunities for Nigerian youths.
