NADDC VALIDATES CNG, EV TRAINING MANUALS TO STRENGTHEN AUTOMOTIVE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

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September 25, 2026

In a strategic move to strengthen automotive skills development in Nigeria, the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) organised a technical workshop on September 24, 2026, at Providence Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, to critique and validate draft instructional manuals developed from the approved National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicle conversion and Electric Vehicle (EV) maintenance.

The workshop brought together technical experts, industry practitioners, trainers, assessors, academics, members of the Automotive Sector Skills Council and other stakeholders to critically review the manuals and ensure that they meet national requirements and international best practices. The exercise is aimed at producing standardized training materials that will promote quality and consistency in the training and certification of automotive technicians.

Speaking at the workshop, the Director General/CEO of NADDC, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, emphasized the importance of ensuring that the instructional manuals are technically accurate, practical, competency-based, industry-relevant and responsive to Nigeria’s evolving automotive environment. He also stressed the need for strong occupational health and safety provisions, particularly in the areas of high-pressure CNG systems, high-voltage EV systems, batteries, charging infrastructure, diagnostics and maintenance.

Osanipin who was ably represented by the Director, Industrial Infrastructure Department (IID), Mrs. Joke Onireti, explained that the objective of the validation exercise is to ensure that the developed materials conform to international best practices. She noted that after the necessary amendments are made based on stakeholders’ contributions, the document will be forwarded to the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) for the necessary approvals, after which it can become an official training document for the Nigerian automotive industry.

Presenting the overview of the instructional manual, the President of the Automotive Sector Skills Council, Engineer Best Nnodim, described the exercise as a critical workshop, explaining that NADDC management had mandated the Sector Skills Council to develop training manuals that would guide training across designated centres. He noted that the National Occupational Standards had earlier been developed as the foundation or curriculum for the training, while the instructional manuals were developed from the standards to guide both trainers and trainees.

Engineer Nnodim further explained that the validation process was deliberately designed to obtain wider stakeholder input. The exercise is being conducted in phases, beginning with the Southern region, comprising stakeholders from the South-East, South-South and South-West. A subsequent session will be held in Kano for stakeholders from the northern regions. Observations from the various zones will thereafter be harmonized by a smaller committee to produce a nationally acceptable document in line with the established government procedure for developing national training materials.

The immediate past President of the Sector Skills Council, Engineer Udeh Francis, stated that the workshop focuses on the critique and validation of instructional materials developed for the training of technicians in CNG vehicle conversion and EV maintenance. He explained that the exercise is a follow-up to the development of the National Occupational Standards for both areas, which provide the foundation for training personnel in these emerging areas of the automotive industry.

He added that the development and validation of the instructional materials are essential to standardizing training and maintaining quality across the sector. According to him, the participation of experts from academia, industry and technical practice would help ensure that the materials conform to international best practices and support consistent, high-quality training outcomes in both CNG and electric vehicle technologies.

The workshop therefore represents an important step towards strengthening Nigeria’s automotive skills development framework, ensuring that technicians and other industry practitioners receive standardized, practical and industry-relevant training capable of supporting the country’s transition to emerging automotive technologies.

OPINION: How Nigeria’s Labour Market Is Failing Millions of Workers

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September 25, 2026

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By Okeme Faith Chubiyojo

Nigeria’s labour market is under pressure, even as the country remains one of Africa’s largest economies and its population continues to grow. The challenge is not simply the number of people without jobs. It is also the shortage of secure, productive and reasonably paid work.

The National Bureau of Statistics’ revised labour-force survey recorded an unemployment rate of 5.3 percent in the first quarter of 2024. That figure should not be read in isolation. Many Nigerians who are counted as employed work in informal, unstable or low-paying jobs, while others do not work enough hours to support themselves or their families. The World Bank estimates that about 3.5 million people enter Nigeria’s labour force every year, placing enormous pressure on an economy that is not creating quality jobs quickly enough.

Young people are particularly exposed to this reality, with graduates flooding a labour market with too few formal openings, while many others are forced to create work for themselves in an informal economy with limited access to credit, infrastructure and social protection. Women also face significant barriers, including unequal access to finance, care responsibilities and fewer opportunities in higher-paying sectors.

Small businesses should be part of the solution. They employ millions of Nigerians and keep local economies moving. Yet many struggles with unreliable electricity, high operating costs, overlapping taxes and complicated regulations. Nigeria is not short of people willing to work. It is short of an environment in which businesses can survive, expand and employ more people.The consequences of inaction are no longer distant. High youth unemployment fuels migration, crime, and political unrest. Idle hands in a hungry economy do not stay idle for long, they migrate through the desert, join armed groups, or lose faith in the state entirely. A nation that cannot employ its young people is not merely facing an economic problem; it is sitting on a social time bomb.

The first and most urgent barrier is electricity, no serious job-creation strategy can ignore electricity. Small and medium-sized businesses cannot compete when they must rely on petrol or diesel generators to keep their doors open. The cost of fuel, maintenance and repairs reduces the money available for wages, expansion and new equipment.

For years, power has been treated mainly as an infrastructure problem. It is also a labour-market problem. When a bakery, salon, workshop, restaurant or small factory spends a large share of its income generating electricity, it has less room to hire, train workers or lower prices.

Nigeria has taken steps towards a more decentralised electricity system. Constitutional changes in 2023 and the Electricity Act 2023 gave states a clearer role in legislating for and regulating electricity generation, transmission and distribution within their territories. However, the reform will only make a difference if states build credible regulatory systems, establish transparent tariffs and attract serious private investment. As of May 2026, 15 states had transitioned to regulating their own electricity markets.

The federal and state governments should now focus on implementation. That means supporting independent power projects, expanding mini-grids where extending the national grid is impractical, improving access to finance and protecting consumers from arbitrary pricing. Rwanda offers a useful example of what sustained investment can achieve; its electricity-access rate rose from 18 percent in 2012 to 84 percent by June 2025 through a combination of grid expansion and off-grid solutions.

Nigeria does not need to copy Rwanda, but it can learn from the principle behind the progress, electricity access improves when grid and off-grid solutions are planned together and backed by consistent policy.

Reliable power would not solve every problem facing small businesses. It would, however, reduce one of their most damaging costs and give viable firms a better chance to grow.

The second major obstacle is the difficulty of starting and running a business. Entrepreneurs often have to deal with company registration, local permits, taxes and levies imposed by different levels of government, as well as overlapping rules enforced by multiple agencies.

This complexity encourages some businesses to remain informal. Informality may help a business avoid immediate compliance costs, but it also limits access to loans, contracts, insurance and legal protection. It also leaves workers more vulnerable because informal jobs often come without written contracts, stable earnings or social security.

The answer is not to remove every regulation. Businesses and workers need rules that protect property, consumers, employees and the public interest. The priority should be to eliminate duplication, clarify responsibilities and make compliance affordable.

Nigeria should work towards a coordinated digital system through which businesses can complete registration, obtain relevant permits and meet tax obligations without repeatedly visiting different offices. Each level of government should clearly state what it is entitled to collect, provide a single payment channel and publish a transparent schedule of fees.

Nigeria’s employment crisis is not only an economic concern. When young people cannot find decent work, they are more likely to consider risky migration routes, disengage from public institutions or become vulnerable to criminal and extremist recruitment. Unemployment does not automatically cause crime or unrest, but prolonged joblessness, poverty and insecurity can deepen social frustration.

The World Bank has identified weak job creation, limited entrepreneurial opportunities and rising emigration as continuing concerns for Nigeria. It also points to gaps in electricity, transport and logistics as constraints on productivity and domestic trade.

The country therefore needs more than slogans about empowering young people. It needs practical reforms that make it easier for businesses to remain open, invest and hire. Reliable electricity, simpler regulation, access to finance, better skills training and improved security must work together.

Stable power and a more predictable business environment will not create jobs overnight. They will, however, give employers a better chance to create and retain them. They can help businesses that are struggling to survive, encourage informal firms to formalise and make it easier for new enterprises to enter the market.

Nigeria has already announced many of the policies required to move in this direction. The real test is implementation. The country’s young population should not have to choose between leaving home, accepting insecure work or losing faith in the future. For millions of Nigerians, decent work is not an abstract economic target. It is the difference between dignity and dependence.

Okeme Faith Chubiyojo is a 2026 Journalism for Liberty Fellow at the Liberalist Centre. She writes from Abuja.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by contributors, authors, guests, or users are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of Social Plus Africa Communications Ltd. Any content provided by individuals is intended for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as representing the views of Social Plus Africa Communications Ltd or its affiliates.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT COMMISSIONS NADDC AUTOMOTIVE TRAINING CENTRE IN EBONYI, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO AUTOMOTIVE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

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September 21, 2026

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The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to developing the skills, talents and productive capacity of Nigerian youths while strengthening the automotive industry as a critical pillar of national industrial development, with the commissioning of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) Automotive Training Centre in Ebonyi State. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony held on Thursday, September 18, 2026.

The Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, described the facility as an investment in people, technology and the future of Nigeria’s automotive industry. He stated that the Centre would provide young Nigerians with practical, industry-relevant training in automotive technology, vehicle diagnostics, repairs and maintenance, mechatronics and emerging automotive technologies. The Minister noted that meaningful industrial transformation could not be achieved without a skilled workforce, stressing that the Federal Government’s Automotive Policy places emphasis on increasing local vehicle production, developing local content, promoting technology transfer and building the technical capacity required to position Nigeria as a competitive automotive manufacturing and servicing hub.

Senator Enoh explained that the establishment of Automotive Training Centres across the six geopolitical zones was designed to promote equity, inclusion and balanced national development by ensuring that young Nigerians, regardless of their geographical location, have access to employable and entrepreneurial skills in the automotive sector. He highlighted the strategic importance of Ebonyi State and the wider South-East region, noting the area’s enterprising population, commercial activities and emerging industrial potential. According to him, the Centre could transform the region’s existing strengths in entrepreneurship, vehicle repairs, spare-parts distribution and technical craftsmanship into modern and internationally competitive automotive enterprises. He also emphasized the Centre’s potential to support Nigeria’s emerging clean mobility agenda by developing technicians with the skills required to safely install, maintain, diagnose and service Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Electric Vehicles (EVs) and other cleaner transportation technologies.

The Minister urged NADDC to ensure that the value of the Centre is measured by the quality and impact of activities taking place within the facility rather than the infrastructure alone. He called for continuous upgrading of training equipment, modern curricula, competent instructors and stronger partnerships with automobile manufacturers, assemblers, component producers, technical institutions and private-sector operators. He also stressed the importance of connecting graduates with employment, entrepreneurship opportunities, further training and relevant government interventions. Senator Enoh commended the Director-General/CEO of NADDC, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, for his commitment to advancing automotive skills development and ensuring the realization of the facility, while appreciating the Government and people of Ebonyi State for their cooperation and support. He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the areas of economic growth, industrialisation, youth empowerment, job creation and sustainable development.

The Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, described the Centre as a strategic investment in the future of the State and Nigeria’s automotive technology ecosystem. He stated that the facility was not an extension of the conventional mechanic workshop, but a deliberate investment in the hands that would repair vehicles, the minds that would diagnose automotive systems, the engineers who would design solutions and the entrepreneurs who would establish businesses and create employment opportunities. Governor Nwifuru expressed, on behalf of the Government and people of Ebonyi State, profound appreciation to NADDC and the Presidency for the realisation of the project, welcoming the partnership and assuring the Federal Government of the State’s readiness to deepen the collaboration. He further noted that the sustainable development of Ebonyi State must rest on a strong foundation of infrastructure, human capital, technology and productive enterprise, adding that the State Government is deliberately creating an environment in which industries can thrive and its people can acquire the skills required to participate effectively in those industries.

The Chairman of the NADDC Governing Board, Chief Emma Eneukwu, described the commissioning as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to translating the Renewed Hope Agenda into tangible opportunities for Nigerians, particularly young people in the South-East. He commended the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment for its continued support to NADDC and appreciated the Government and people of Ebonyi State for their partnership, cooperation and hospitality. Chief Eneukwu reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to providing the necessary policy direction and oversight to ensure that NADDC’s programmes and investments deliver measurable benefits to Nigerians, while congratulating the people of Ebonyi State on the landmark achievement.

In his remarks, the Director-General/CEO of NADDC, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, described the commissioning as a significant milestone in the Council’s efforts to develop a highly skilled and productive automotive workforce for Nigeria. He explained that the establishment of Automotive Training Centres across the six geopolitical zones forms part of NADDC’s mandate to facilitate the sustainable development of the Nigerian automotive industry through the effective utilisation of local human and material resources. According to him, the Centres are designed to serve as hubs for automotive skills acquisition, technical innovation, entrepreneurship development, technology transfer and workforce preparation for an industry that is rapidly evolving in response to new vehicle technologies and global trends. He stated that the Ebonyi Centre, equipped with modern training equipment, tools and facilities, would provide practical and industry-relevant training for youths, technicians, artisans, students, vehicle owners, entrepreneurs and other automotive practitioners within Ebonyi State and the wider South-East region.

Osanipin noted that Ebonyi State’s economic activities in agriculture, commerce, enterprise development, manufacturing and solid mineral exploitation depend substantially on efficient transportation, agricultural mechanisation, heavy-duty equipment and reliable automotive services. He explained that the availability of a specialised Automotive Training Centre would complement the State’s economic development efforts by producing skilled personnel capable of maintaining and servicing vehicles, machinery and equipment that support these productive sectors. He further stated that the Centre aligns with the objectives of the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP), which seeks to promote local vehicle production and assembly, attract investment, strengthen local content, develop indigenous technical capacity, create employment and deepen the automotive value chain. He added that NADDC would continue to reposition its training programmes to respond to emerging technologies, including CNG, EVs, automotive mechatronics, electronic diagnostics and other new-generation technologies.

The Director-General expressed appreciation to the Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, for his continued support, guidance and commitment to the development of Nigeria’s automotive sector. He also appreciated the Government and people of Ebonyi State, under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for their hospitality, cooperation and commitment to initiatives promoting skills development, youth empowerment and industrial growth. The commissioning of the NADDC Automotive Training Centre in Ebonyi State marks another significant step in the Council’s efforts to expand access to quality automotive training, promote technical innovation and develop a skilled workforce capable of contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s industrial transformation. NADDC reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening automotive training infrastructure, promoting strategic partnerships, supporting innovation, developing local content and implementing programmes that will accelerate the growth and competitiveness of Nigeria’s automotive industry.

Ambassador Hassiat Suleiman Mourns Former Kogi Governor Ibrahim Idris

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September 21, 2026

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The Special Adviser on Strategic Investment and Liaison with Federal Agencies to the Kogi State Governor, Ambassador Hassiat Ozavize Suleiman, has expressed deep sadness over the passing of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, describing him as a benefactor, political leader, elder statesman and a man whose kindness left a lasting impression on her life.

Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, popularly known as Ibro, passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 77 after serving as Governor of Kogi State from 2003 to 2012. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has declared three days of mourning in his honour and announced that he would receive a state burial.

In a condolence message, Ambassador Suleiman recalled her longstanding relationship with the late former Governor, which dates back to her student days when he served as Patron of the Association of Kogi State Students, Bida Chapter, during her tenure as Vice President of the association in 1993–1994.

She described him as a leader who demonstrated genuine interest in the progress and welfare of young people, noting that his encouragement and support remained significant to her throughout the formative stages of her life.

“I mourn Alhaji Ibrahim Idris not simply as a former Governor of my state, but as a benefactor, mentor, political leader and elder statesman whose kindness and encouragement touched my life personally.

“I encountered his generosity at different stages of my journey, beginning from my days as a student leader. Years later, he continued to encourage and support my development, including opening the door to public service for me in Kogi State. These are things I will never forget.”

Ambassador Suleiman said the late former Governor’s impact should be measured not only by the offices he occupied and the projects associated with his administration, but also by the opportunities he created and the lives he touched.

“Leadership is ultimately about the people whose lives you influence. I am one of the many people who can look back and say that Alhaji Ibrahim Idris played a meaningful role in my journey. For that, I remain eternally grateful,” she said.

She also acknowledged the late Governor’s place in the political and developmental history of Kogi State, noting that his years in office represented an important chapter in the evolution of the state. The current Kogi State Government has similarly recognised interventions recorded during his administration in infrastructure, education, healthcare and other critical sectors.

Ambassador Suleiman commiserated with the Idris family, the people of Kogi State, his political associates and all those who mourn his passing.

“Today, Kogi has lost an elder statesman and a repository of political experience, while many individuals who benefited from his kindness have lost a father figure and benefactor. My heart goes out to his family at this very difficult time,” she said.

She prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive the late former Governor’s shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.

“May Allah grant Baba Ibro eternal rest and give his family, friends, associates and the entire people of Kogi State the fortitude to bear this great loss. May we also have the wisdom to preserve the positive legacy of his life and service to humanity,” Ambassador Suleiman prayed.

Brotherhood Above Politics: A Call for Reconciliation in Kogi Central

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September 17, 2026

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Recent events in the Kogi Central political space provide an important example of how political competition can be handled with maturity, respect, and brotherhood.

In the Adavi/Okehi Federal Constituency contest, Honourable Faruk Omeiza and Honourable Mohammed Ahovi Yusuf contested under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). At the end of the contest, Honourable Mohammed Ahovi Yusuf emerged as the winner.

Following the outcome, Honourable Faruk Omeiza publicly congratulated his brother and expressed his willingness to work with him. This gesture deserves recognition because it demonstrates that political competition does not have to destroy personal relationships.

As brothers from the same clan, Udu Aniku, their example reminds us of an important truth: a political contest may produce one winner, but it should not produce permanent enemies.

A similar spirit of reconciliation and brotherhood is needed in the Okene/Ogori-Magongo Federal Constituency, where Honourable Sani Salau Ogembe Ogenbe, popularly known as Ejanla, and Honourable Tijani Ahmed Ozigis, popularly known as TAO, contested under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

With Honourable Sani Salau Ogenbe emerging as the winner, many people would welcome the same spirit of sportsmanship, reconciliation, and brotherhood that was demonstrated in Adavi/Okehi.

Honourable Tijani Ahmed Ozigis is not merely a political opponent of Honourable Sani Salau Ogenbe. They are brothers and members of the same community. They are also brothers from the same clan, Udu Eyire.

Whatever differences may have existed during the political contest, the outcome of an election should not be allowed to permanently define their relationship.

Therefore, this is an appeal to Honourable Tijani Ahmed Ozigis: let the people also see that same spirit of brotherhood in you. Just as Honourable Faruk Omeiza congratulated his brother after the contest in Adavi/Okehi, a similar gesture from you would demonstrate maturity, strength, and commitment to the unity of your people.

A congratulatory message would not erase the contest or diminish anyone’s political standing. Rather, it could send a powerful message that political disagreement and personal reconciliation can exist side by side.

The people will continue to live together, work together, worship in together, raise their families together, and share the same community long after an election has ended.

Leadership is temporary, but brotherhood is endless

Politics should be a contest of ideas, not a war between brothers.

Let the election end, and brotherhood continue.

Signed: Concerned Kogi central youths

NADDC BOARD TOURS AUTOMOTIVE ASSEMBLY PLANTS, ASSESSES LOCAL PRODUCTION CAPACITY

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September 17, 2026

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The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), alongside its Governing Board, on Tuesday, September 15th, 2026, embarked on a tour of selected automotive assembly plants in Lagos to assess their production capacities, local content development, operational challenges and prospects for increased vehicle manufacturing in Nigeria. The tour, led by the Chairman of the Governing Board, His Eminence Chief Emma Eneukwu, covered Lanre Shittu Motors, CIG Motors and Mikano Motors.

During the engagement at Lanre Shittu Motors, the Managing Director, Mr. Taiwo Shittu, expressed appreciation to the Board for the visit, noting that it provided an opportunity to showcase the company’s assembly operations and future plans. He disclosed that the company locally sources steel, lubricants, rubber and vehicle seats, while employing over 326 Nigerians and only one expatriate expert. He stated that the plant has the capacity to assemble six trucks and six buses daily, while its planned 40,000-square-metre facility in Ogun State will feature four production lines, each with a projected capacity of about 6,000 vehicles.

At CIG Motors, the Special Adviser to the Chairman, Brigadier General Chukwu Emeka (Rtd.), stressed the need for the transfer and indigenization of engineering technology to strengthen backward integration and local manufacturing. He disclosed that, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Eradication, the company had trained approximately 25,000 young Nigerians in automobile maintenance over the past two to three years. He emphasised that developing indigenous technical expertise remains critical to building a sustainable automotive manufacturing ecosystem.

The visit to Mikano Motors also provided the opportunity to assess their production capacity, identify challenges and chart a way forward. Addressing the team, the Operational Manager, Mr. Siyam Abdulkadir, stated that the company has an annual production capacity of between 15,000 and 20,000 vehicles and is positioned to meet consumer demands through continuous production. He explained that the company currently operates a Semi-Knocked Down (SKD) assembly system but is working towards Completely Knocked Down (CKD) production. He added that increased patronage of locally assembled vehicles would encourage further investment, noting that with the support of NADDC, the company is gradually advancing towards achieving its CKD ambitions.

Speaking on the significance of the tour, the Chairman of the NADDC Governing Board, His Eminence Chief Emma Eneukwu, expressed optimism about the capabilities of Nigerian automotive manufacturers, noting that the industry requires sustained government support and appropriate policies to unlock its full potential. He said the Board would continue to serve as a bridge between government and the private sector by conveying the concerns and demands of manufacturers and supporting efforts to create a more conducive environment for the growth of the automotive and transportation sector.

In his brief, the Director-General of NADDC, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, emphasized that the tour was designed to give the Governing Board firsthand knowledge of the capabilities and challenges of local assemblers, which would strengthen the Council’s advocacy for policies that encourage local production over vehicle importation. He highlighted the Nigeria First Policy and the implementation guidelines developed following engagements with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), as well as the recent circular issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation directing MDAs to procure Nigerian-made vehicles. He noted that the initiative is expected to expand the market for local assemblers, stimulate investment and further strengthen Nigeria’s automotive manufacturing industry.

NADDC #NigeriaAutomotiveIndustry #IndustrialGrowth #NAIDP

NADDC ADDRESSES ABUJA CNG INCIDENT, REASSURES NIGERIANS ON SAFETY OF CERTIFIED CONVERSIONS.

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September 17, 2026

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The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has taken note of the incident involving a CNG-retrofitted Toyota Camry at the NIPCO Gas Filling Station on Airport Road, Abuja, on 13 September 2026. Fortunately, no fatalities or injuries were recorded.

While investigations are ongoing, preliminary information suggests that the vehicle may have been fitted with an additional cylinder that was neither approved nor suitable for CNG use.

NADDC is working with the relevant authorities to establish the facts and further strengthen regulatory oversight, compliance monitoring and public safety across CNG conversion activities nationwide.

As the regulatory authority for Nigeria’s automotive industry, NADDC reiterates that for safety and standarsation reasons, CNG conversion must be carried out only with the use of approved components, professional installation at certified conversion centres, proper testing and regular maintenance in line with established standards.

The Council therefore urges motorists to patronise only certified CNG conversion centres, use approved components and refrain from unauthorised modifications to CNG systems.

NADDC remains firmly committed to safeguarding motorists and the public while providing the regulatory leadership required for the safe, orderly and sustainable development of CNG mobility in Nigeria.

Nigerians are encouraged to rely on verified information and not allow misleading reports to undermine confidence in properly certified CNG systems.

National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC)
15th September 2026

OSANIPIN: CELEBRATING A DISTINCTIVE LEADER, A VISIONARY DRIVER OF AUTOMOTIVE TRANSFORMATION AND A LIFE OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS

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September 10, 2026

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Amb. James Momoh JP, CEO of Social Plus Africa Communications and Founder of GISA Care & Empowerment Foundation, Celebrates NADDC Director-General, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, on His Birthday
On this special occasion of your birthday, I extend my warmest congratulations and heartfelt felicitations to Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC).
Today is more than a celebration of another year. It is an opportunity to acknowledge God’s faithfulness, grace, preservation and abundant blessings upon your life, your family and your years of dedicated service to Nigeria.
Your journey represents a remarkable combination of professional excellence, purposeful leadership, institutional commitment and an unwavering determination to contribute meaningfully to the development of Nigeria’s automotive industry.
Since assuming leadership of NADDC, your administration has continued to demonstrate a strong commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s automotive sector as a strategic pillar of national economic development.
Under your leadership, the Council has remained focused on advancing local automotive manufacturing, strengthening technical and human capacity, encouraging investment, promoting innovation and supporting the development of a more competitive automotive value chain.
Your vision extends beyond the production and assembly of vehicles. It encompasses the broader ecosystem required for a sustainable automotive industry—including local content development, skills acquisition, technology transfer, investment promotion, after-sales services, emerging mobility technologies and the development of indigenous capabilities.
These efforts reflect a leadership philosophy that understands that a strong automotive industry is not merely about vehicles; it is about jobs, technology, industrialisation, investment, skills, economic opportunities and national development.
One of the most commendable aspects of your leadership is the recognition that Nigeria must prepare for the future of mobility.
Your attention to innovation, electric mobility, new-energy vehicles, technology and modern automotive solutions demonstrates an appreciation of the changing global automotive landscape and the need for Nigeria to position itself strategically.
At a time when nations are competing for relevance in the emerging mobility economy, your leadership continues to reinforce the importance of ensuring that Nigeria is not merely a consumer of automotive technology but increasingly becomes a participant, producer, innovator and investment destination within the global automotive ecosystem.
Your commitment to technical training and human-capital development is equally worthy of recognition.
The future of Nigeria’s automotive industry ultimately depends on the availability of skilled technicians, engineers, entrepreneurs, innovators and professionals capable of driving the sector forward.
Your emphasis on capacity development therefore represents an investment not only in NADDC but in the future of Nigerian youths and the nation’s industrial workforce.
This is leadership with a long-term perspective—building institutions, developing people and creating opportunities that can outlive individual tenures.
Your professional background and experience have brought a valuable private-sector perspective into the leadership of NADDC.
That combination of corporate discipline, strategic thinking and public-sector responsibility has contributed to a leadership approach focused on results, partnerships and sustainable impact.
At Social Plus Africa Communications, we recognise and appreciate leaders who understand the importance of connecting policy with implementation, vision with action, and leadership with measurable national impact.
Your stewardship of NADDC continues to demonstrate the importance of competent leadership in driving institutional transformation.
As you mark another year today, I join your family, colleagues, friends, associates and well-wishers in giving thanks to Almighty God for His faithfulness over your life.
We celebrate the gift of life, good health, wisdom, strength and the opportunity to continue serving humanity and contributing to the progress of our great nation.
May this new chapter bring you greater wisdom, renewed strength, divine favour and many more opportunities to make a lasting difference.
May God continue to preserve you, bless your family, strengthen your leadership and grant you the grace to accomplish the greater responsibilities and assignments ahead.
On behalf of Social Plus Africa Communications, and personally as CEO, I warmly celebrate you, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, on this remarkable occasion.
Your birthday is a celebration of life, leadership, service, achievement and God’s enduring faithfulness.
May the years ahead be marked by greater accomplishments, stronger institutions, deeper impact and remarkable contributions to the development of Nigeria’s automotive industry and the nation at large.
Happy Birthday, Sir.
May you enjoy many more years of sound health, wisdom, fulfilment, prosperity and distinguished service to Nigeria.
Congratulations and many happy returns!

Amb. James Momoh JP
CEO, Social Plus Africa Communications,
Founder, GISA Care & Empowerment Foundation_

NADDC, University of Abuja Partner on Electric Vehicle Technology and Battery Innovation

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September 9, 2026

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The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and the University of Abuja have commenced discussions towards a strategic partnership to advance electric vehicle (EV) technology, automotive research and innovation in Nigeria. The proposed collaboration was discussed on 8 September 2026 during a high-level meeting led by the NADDC Director General, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi.

A key focus of the proposed partnership is the development of an innovative battery casing for electric vehicles to address heat management and dissipation challenges, particularly under Nigeria’s high-temperature conditions. The project is expected to involve research, modelling, testing and prototyping, with the potential for local production and commercial application.

Speaking at the meeting, the NADDC Director General emphasized the need to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application. He noted that Nigerian universities possess significant research capacity that can be harnessed to develop practical solutions to challenges within the automotive sector. He stressed the importance of stronger collaboration among government, academia and industry to move innovations from the laboratory to production and commercialization.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, expressed the university’s readiness to deepen collaboration with NADDC, particularly in developing practical, industry-relevant solutions. He highlighted the importance of exposing students and researchers to emerging automotive technologies, practical experimentation and industry-oriented problem-solving, while leveraging the university’s research expertise to support national technological development.

Beyond the battery-casing project, both institutions discussed opportunities for student and researcher access to NADDC facilities, practical training, component testing, reverse engineering and the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The proposed collaboration is expected to be formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), establishing a framework for sustained research, innovation, capacity development and knowledge transfer, further reinforcing NADDC’s commitment under the leadership of Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin to advancing Nigeria’s automotive technology and local capacity.

NADDC ENGAGES AUTOMOTIVE STAKEHOLDERS ON DRAFT NATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY BILL

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September 4, 2026

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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.

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