The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), on 3rd September 2026, in Lagos State, engaged key stakeholders in Nigeria’s automotive industry on the Draft National Automotive Industry Bill, 2026, aimed at strengthening the legal, regulatory and institutional framework for sustainable growth and development of the sector.

Speaking at the engagement, the Director-General of NADDC, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, said the gathering underscored a shared commitment to building a self-sustaining, technologically advanced and globally competitive Nigerian automotive industry. He noted that Lagos, as the commercial heartbeat of Nigeria and a major hub of automotive manufacturing and operations, provided an appropriate platform for stakeholders to collectively examine the proposed legislation and develop a framework capable of supporting long-term investment and industrial growth.

Osanipin stated that the Council’s vision is to move Nigeria’s automotive ecosystem beyond mere assembly into a robust industrial value chain anchored on local content development, component manufacturing, vehicle electrification and regional market integration. He observed that the rapidly changing global automotive landscape, the transition towards sustainable mobility, the drive for increased local content and the operational expansion of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) underscores the need for Nigeria’s legal and policy framework to evolve accordingly.

According to him, while the National Automotive Design and Development Council Act of 2014 provided an important foundation for the development of the industry, policy inconsistencies, legislative gaps and changing industry dynamics have created the need for a stronger and more predictable legal architecture. He explained that the Draft National Automotive Industry Bill, 2026, seeks to repeal the 2014 Act and establish the National Automotive Design and Development Commission, representing a structural upgrade designed to provide stronger statutory regulatory and enforcement powers, and a firm foundation for sustainable automotive development.

The DG further explained that the proposed Bill seeks to provide legal backing for the incentives, protections and implementation structures of the Nigeria Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP), while creating a transparent, predictable and investment-friendly environment for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), component suppliers, vehicle assemblers and financiers. He added that the legislation is also expected to accelerate local value addition, develop domestic supply chains and create sustainable employment opportunities, particularly for Nigerian youths.

Also speaking, the Director, Policy, Planning and Statistics (PPS), Mr. Umar Nura Sidi, described the engagement as a decisive step towards redefining the legal, regulatory and economic architecture of Nigeria’s automotive sector. He said the NADDC deliberately circulated the Draft Bill to ensure that it is shaped by those who invest, manufacture, assemble and operate within the industry, noting that valuable written contributions had already been received from major industry stakeholders, including NAMA and the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM).

Sidi stressed that the strength of the proposed legislation would depend largely on the consensus and practical input of industry stakeholders. He explained that the engagement was structured as an interactive forum to review the key provisions and innovations in the Draft Bill, analyse technical and operational feedback, and align national automotive policy objectives with industry realities. He urged stakeholders to engage openly, candidly and constructively, noting that the recommendations emerging from the session would directly inform the final Draft Bill before its submission to the National Assembly.

The legal overview of the proposed legislation was presented by a legal expert, Gboyega Oyewole, SAN. The engagement brought together major stakeholders such as the Chairman of the Nigerian Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA), Mr. Bawo Omagbitse; The Chairman MOMAN, Rev, Lambert Ekewuba, Managing Directors/Chief Executive Officers of auto assembly plants in Nigeria, captains of the automotive industry; and other industry operators.

In conclusion, NADDC expressed appreciation to all stakeholders who have contributed to the development of the Draft Bill and reaffirmed its commitment to a collaborative approach in strengthening Nigeria’s automotive industry. The Council emphasised that legislation affecting the private sector must be developed with meaningful private-sector participation, expressing confidence that the collective inputs from manufacturers, assemblers, component suppliers, industry associations and other stakeholders would help establish a robust legal framework capable of positioning Nigeria as a leading automotive manufacturing hub in West Africa.

NADDC #nigerianautomotiveindustry #NAIDP

The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), in collaboration with TOFEKO Limited, is strengthening technical capacity in Nigeria’s automotive sector through a two-week specialised training programme for 300 technicians and youths across six states.
The programme, which commenced on 17 August 2026, is being implemented concurrently in Ekiti, Imo, Kano, Nasarawa, Bauchi and Cross River States, with 50 participants drawn from each state. The beneficiaries are receiving specialised training in vehicle mechatronics and CNG retrofitting, with a strong emphasis on practical diagnosis, servicing, repair and maintenance of modern vehicles.

The participants are being trained by Bcephas Consults Limited, the technical consultant engaged for the programme, through a combination of technical instruction and hands-on practical sessions designed to equip beneficiaries with skills that can be applied directly in automotive workshops and other relevant areas of the sector.

In Ekiti State, where the training is currently ongoing, 50 technicians and youths from across the state are undergoing intensive practical sessions aimed at improving their understanding of modern automotive systems and strengthening their capacity to diagnose and resolve vehicle faults.
The practical component of the programme exposes participants to contemporary vehicle technologies and diagnostic techniques, while enhancing their ability to service, repair and maintain vehicles more efficiently. The training is also expected to improve the quality of services provided by existing technicians and provide young participants with technical skills that can enhance their employability and entrepreneurial opportunities.

The ongoing training in Ekiti State is part of the wider programme taking place simultaneously in Imo, Kano, Nasarawa, Bauchi and Cross River States, where another 50 participants in each state are undergoing the same specialised training, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 300 technicians and youths.
The initiative is part of NADDC’s broader efforts to strengthen human capital development and upgrade technical skills within Nigeria’s automotive industry. It is particularly focused on improving the capacity of technicians to keep pace with emerging automotive technologies while equipping young Nigerians with practical and employable skills.

At the conclusion of the two-week programme on 28 August 2026, participants are expected to receive certificates of training and empowerment tools to support the application of the skills acquired. The intervention is expected to help beneficiaries improve their technical services, increase productivity and competitiveness and establish or expand their automotive-related businesses.
Through initiatives such as this, NADDC continues to promote a more skilled, technologically capable and future-ready automotive workforce while supporting opportunities for employment, enterprise development and sustainable growth across Nigeria’s automotive value chain.

The images accompanying this report were captured during the ongoing training in Ekiti State and are representative of the concurrent training activities taking place across the other participating states.

NADDC #YouthEmpowerment #GreenEnergy #CNG-POWERED

The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), in collaboration with BRYTE AUTO. TECH & DIAGNOSTICS LTD, is currently implementing a two-week specialized training programme for technicians and youths in Kogi, Edo and Oyo States, with a total of 150 participants benefiting from the programme. The participants are being trained by MAX FON GLOBAL NIG. LTD, the technical consultant engaged for the programme.

The training commenced on 10 August 2026 and is being conducted concurrently across the three states, with 50 technicians and youths participating in each state. The programme focuses on heavy-duty vehicles, including agricultural tractors, and is designed to strengthen participants’ practical and technical capabilities in the operation, diagnosis, servicing, repair and maintenance of such vehicles.

In Edo State, where the training is currently ongoing, 50 participants drawn from across the state are receiving hands-on instruction and practical exposure under the programme. The training provides participants with relevant technical knowledge and practical skills required to improve their capacity to diagnose faults, service, repair and maintain heavy-duty vehicles and agricultural tractors.

The ongoing training in Edo State is representative of the activities taking place concurrently in Kogi and Oyo States, where another 50 participants in each state are undergoing the same specialized training, bringing the total number of beneficiaries across the three states to 150 technicians and youths.

The initiative forms part of NADDC’s commitment to skills upgrading, capacity building and human capital development within Nigeria’s automotive sector. It is particularly aimed at strengthening the technical capabilities of existing automotive technicians while equipping young people with relevant and employable skills in the heavy-duty vehicle subsector.

The inclusion of agricultural tractors in the training also supports the development of technical capacity for machinery used in the agricultural sector, while promoting the availability of skilled personnel capable of maintaining and servicing heavy-duty equipment locally.

At the completion of the two-week programme on 21 August 2026, participants are expected to receive certificates of training and empowerment tools to enable them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired, improve their technical services and establish or expand their businesses.

The images accompanying this report are from the ongoing training in Edo State and are representative of the concurrent training activities taking place in Kogi and Oyo States.

The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, received a delegation from the National CNG Forum (NCNG-F), led by its Chairman, Faruk Abdullahi, at the Council’s headquarters in Abuja.

The visit focused on the future of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in Nigeria and its close relationship with the development and transformation of the country’s automotive industry. The engagement provided an opportunity for both organisations to explore areas of collaboration that could strengthen Nigeria’s CNG ecosystem and support the growth of the local automotive sector.

Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of the National CNG Forum, Faruk Abdullahi, expressed their believe in a fruitful engagement with the Council to ensure successful implementation of the CNG policy, and cited several areas of collaboration between NADDC and NCNG-F. He identified technical standards and quality assurance, local content and indigenous manufacturing, skills development, and research and innovation as key areas of potential collaboration.

Abdullahi described NADDC as a strategic partner in the development of Nigeria’s automotive and CNG ecosystem, stressing that government institutions and industry stakeholders must work together to ensure that the transition to CNG goes beyond a change of fuel. According to him, the CNG transition should serve as a catalyst for automotive industrialisation, local content development, skills acquisition, innovation and job creation.

He added that the National CNG Forum is committed to bringing the practical experience and perspectives of industry stakeholders to the table while supporting the objectives of the Federal Government. He emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between government agencies and the private sector to address challenges and maximize the opportunities presented by CNG.

Responding, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NADDC, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, highlighted Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources and the economic benefits of CNG as an alternative fuel. He noted that CNG is cheaper to maintain and more sustainable than Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), stressing that its wider adoption could have a significant impact on the Nigerian economy.

The NADDC DG further stated that the CNG transition has the potential to generate employment and contribute significantly to industrial development. He emphasized that achieving these benefits requires the collective efforts of government, the private sector, industry stakeholders and relevant forums that can aggregate challenges, opportunities and practical solutions.

He therefore called for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to develop a robust CNG ecosystem that would not only support cleaner and more affordable mobility but also promote local manufacturing, skills development, innovation, employment generation and the overall growth of Nigeria’s automotive industry.

NADDC #CNG #YouthEmpowerment #NYSC

The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), in collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has flagged off a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Retrofitting Training Programme for 300 Corps Members, aimed at equipping young Nigerians with technical skills for employment and entrepreneurship in Nigeria’s CNG and clean mobility ecosystem. The programme was launched at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Kubwa, Abuja on August 11, 2026, under the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programme.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, said Nigeria’s transition towards cleaner, cheaper and more sustainable energy under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, would create new industries, businesses and jobs. He stressed the need to equip Corps Members with practical skills, noting that the training goes beyond certificates to skills that can lead to jobs, income and sustainable businesses.

The Director-General of NADDC, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, described the initiative as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s youth and a demonstration of inter-agency collaboration in developing human capital for cleaner mobility. He noted that skilled technicians and safety professionals are critical to the growth of the CNG sector.

Osanipin urged participating Corps Members to see the training as a pathway to employment and entrepreneurship. He announced that certification would be provided free of charge to participating Corps Members and encouraged beneficiaries to take the training seriously, adhere to safety requirements and join the skilled workforce needed to drive CNG conversion and clean mobility in Nigeria.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, described the programme as a step towards youth empowerment. He explained that the pilot phase would cover one state in each of the six geopolitical zones: the Federal Capital Territory, Kano, Adamawa, Lagos, Edo and Enugu.

He stated that Corps Members would receive practical skills in CNG vehicle conversion and maintenance. According to him, the initiative complements the SAED programme by providing specialised skills that can improve Corps Members’ prospects for employment and self-employment beyond their service year.

The programme is being implemented by NADDC and NYSC, with support from the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the Presidential Initiative on CNG and Electric Vehicles (PCNGI-EV), and the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives (Monitoring and Delivery), Dr. Titilope Gbadamosi.

The flag-off marks a milestone in connecting youth empowerment with Nigeria’s energy and automotive transition. Through the programme, NADDC provides technical expertise and industry-focused capacity development, while NYSC provides the platform for reaching Corps Members across the country.

The Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, on 5th August 2026 moderated a high-level panel session on Day Two of the ECOWAS Regional Automotive Industry Development Forum in Abuja, where policymakers, manufacturers, regulators and industry leaders explored strategies for attracting investment into automotive manufacturing and assembly across West Africa.

The panel, themed “Unlocking Investor Commitment to Automotive Manufacturing and Assembly Across the ECOWAS Region,” examined the policy, regulatory and market reforms needed to stimulate sustainable investment and strengthen the region’s automotive industry.

In his opening remarks, Osanipin highlighted the sector’s potential to drive industrialisation through local manufacturing, component production, technology transfer, job creation and stronger regional value chains. He noted that despite West Africa’s growing vehicle market, challenges such as dependence on imported vehicles, underutilised assembly capacity, fragmented markets, limited local sourcing and policy uncertainty continue to hinder investment.
He stressed the need for predictable policies, harmonised regulations and stronger collaboration between governments, regulators and the private sector to create an enabling environment for long-term investment.

The panel featured the Chairman/CEO of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM), Chief Innocent Chukwuma; Plant Manager of Japan Motors Ghana, Mr. Mohammed Byrouth; a representative of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Adeyemi Folorunsho; and the Director-General of the Ghana Standards Authority, Prof. George Agyei.
Discussions focused on improving policy certainty, strengthening local component manufacturing, supporting SMEs, promoting regional sourcing and harmonising automotive standards and vehicle homologation across ECOWAS Member States to enhance market access and investor confidence.

The session concluded with a collective call for coordinated regional policies that will encourage investment, deepen regional integration and position ECOWAS as a competitive hub for automotive manufacturing and assembly.

On 4th August 2026, the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has commenced a sensitization programme for transporters participating in the E10 Bioethanol Pilot Programme, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting cleaner, more sustainable transportation and strengthening Nigeria’s automotive industry.

Speaking at the programme, the Director, Vehicle Electrification Department, Engr. A. N. Ayinde, who represented the Director-General NADDC,Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, welcomed participants and commended the transport unions, NNPC Retail Limited, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), government agencies, technical partners, and selected drivers for supporting the initiative.

He described the E10 Bioethanol Pilot Programme as a major milestone in Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy, explaining that the pilot involves the use of a fuel blend consisting of 10 percent bioethanol and 90 percent Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). According to him, the programme will assess the fuel’s technical performance, operational feasibility, environmental benefits, and economic viability under Nigerian conditions, with the findings expected to guide future policies on cleaner transportation fuels.

Engr. Ayinde emphasized that transport operators are critical to the success of the pilot programme, noting that their experiences and feedback will provide valuable data for evaluating the performance of E10 fuel in everyday operations. He urged participants to actively engage in the programme, ask questions, and contribute meaningful feedback throughout the pilot phase.

He further stated that representatives of NNPC Retail Limited would provide participants with detailed information on fuel pricing, designated dispensing stations, product availability, operational readiness, and procedures for accessing E10 fuel, ensuring that all stakeholders are fully prepared for the successful implementation of the pilot.

The Director reaffirmed NADDC’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to advance cleaner fuel technologies, improve environmental sustainability, enhance energy security, and support the growth and competitiveness of Nigeria’s automotive industry. He thanked participants for their cooperation and encouraged them to approach the programme with professionalism and a shared commitment to the success of this important national initiative.