The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with state governments to accelerate Nigeria’s automotive industrialization, promote local vehicle manufacturing, attract investment and develop a skilled automotive workforce.
This formed the focus of discussions when delegation from the Cross River State Government, led by the Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Cross River State Planning Commission, Dr. Bona Duke, paid a courtesy visit to the Director-General of NADDC, Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, at the Council’s Headquarters in Abuja. The visit sought to deepen collaboration in automotive technology development, capacity building, skills acquisition, standardization of automotive practices and the regulation of automobile technicians through the state’s Automobile Technicians Regulatory Department (ATRD).
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Bona Duke reaffirmed the Cross River State Government’s commitment to partnering with NADDC to position the state as a hub for automotive development. He noted that closer collaboration would enhance technical support, specialized training, knowledge sharing and youth empowerment. He also presented proposals for collaboration, including access to development funding for automotive investments and the implementation of a pilot Electric Vehicle (EV) programme using NADDC’s existing EV framework.
Responding, the Director-General, Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, commended the Governor of Cross River State for establishing the Automobile Technicians Regulatory Department, describing it as a strategic step towards strengthening technical capacity and automotive regulation. He also acknowledged the department’s leadership for sustaining a productive partnership with the Council. He reaffirmed NADDC’s readiness to deepen collaboration with the state to attract vehicle assembly investments that will drive local manufacturing and technology transfer, particularly in electric mobility. He noted that investment decisions are guided by factors such as the availability of industrial land, proximity to seaports, security and strong government support. He further commended the Cross River State Government for its prompt response to the Council’s requests and its commitment to creating an enabling environment for automotive development initiatives.
Representatives from both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to expanding collaboration to promote Made-in-Nigeria vehicles, strengthen technical skills, encourage technology transfer, create employment opportunities and attract strategic investments that will advance Cross River State’s automotive industry while supporting NADDC’s mandate to drive the sustainable development of Nigeria’s automotive sector.
