NADDC REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRIALIZATION

October 16, 2026

On the 14th of October 2026 in Abuja, The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s automotive industry through local manufacturing, technology transfer, skills development and strategic partnerships ahead of the 26th Abuja International Motor Fair, scheduled to hold from November 10 to 13, 2026, at Eagle Square, Abuja.

Organised by BKG Exhibitions Limited in collaboration with NADDC, the fair will be held under the theme, “Driving Nigeria’s Automotive Future,” and will bring together manufacturers, assemblers, investors, policymakers, technology providers and other stakeholders to explore opportunities for industrial growth and innovation.

Speaking at the joint press briefing held at NICON Luxury Hotel, Garki Abuja, to promote the automotive exhibition, the Director-General of NADDC, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, emphasised the importance of the automotive industry to Nigeria’s industrialisation, economic diversification, job creation and technological advancement.

The Director General noted that the fair must go beyond vehicle exhibitions to promote local production, attract investment and strengthen Nigeria’s manufacturing capacity. “The future of our automotive industry must not be defined solely by the vehicles we import, but increasingly by what we design, manufacture, assemble and develop for domestic and international markets,” Osanipin said.

He reiterated the Council’s commitment to local content development, component manufacturing, research and innovation, electric mobility, battery technology, alternative fuels and technical skills development, while stressing the importance of safety standards and quality assurance.

“Together, let us transform conversations into Commitments, Commitments into partnerships, and partnerships into measurable industrial progress” he concluded.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of BKG Exhibitions Limited, Chief William Ifeanyichukwu Agwu, described the fair as a strategic national platform for advancing automotive industrialisation, attracting investment and strengthening Nigeria’s position in Africa’s mobility market.

The Managing Director called on automobile manufacturers, assemblers, distributors, component producers, financial institutions, technology companies and state governments to participate actively by showcasing their products, innovations and investment opportunities.

“Nigeria has given your brand a market. This is the moment for your brand to show Nigeria its commitment,” Agwu stated, urging industry players to seize the opportunity to connect with customers, institutional buyers, policymakers and prospective investors.

The 26th Abuja International Motor Fair is expected to feature vehicle displays, product unveilings, business-to-business engagements, test-driving experiences, automotive finance discussions and investment partnerships. It will also feature the Africa EV and Clean Transport Expo, focusing on electric vehicles, CNG, charging infrastructure and sustainable mobility solutions, alongside the Africa Automotive and Mobility Excellence Awards, which will recognize contributions to the development of the automotive and transportation sectors. Both NADDC and BKG Exhibitions Limited emphasised that collaboration among government, the private sector, financial institutions, research institutions and the media is essential to expanding local manufacturing, empowering young people with relevant technical skills and building a competitive automotive ecosystem.

The organisers have invited automobile manufacturers, assemblers, dealers, component producers, investors, financial institutions, state governments, members of the media and the general public to participate in the fair from November 10 to 13, 2026, at Eagle Square, Abuja.

NADDC INTENSIFIES DRIVE TO FORMALISE MOTOR DEALERSHIPS THROUGH DIGITAL PORTAL

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October 16, 2026

In a bid to ensure proper documentation of motor dealers for greater value addition in the automotive sector of the economy, the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has intensified efforts to formalise Nigeria’s motor dealership sub-sector through the deployment of its Dealership Registration Portal, designed to enhance transparency, verification, consumer protection, access to financing and evidence-based policymaking within the automotive industry.

The Director-General of NADDC, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, disclosed this in Abuja while delivering the keynote address at the Federal Capital Territory edition of the National Sensitisation Workshop on the NADDC Dealership Registration Portal. He said the initiative formed part of the Council’s broader strategy to transform Nigeria’s largely unregulated and fragmented vehicle trading market into a structured and globally competitive automotive industry driven by reliable data and digital governance.

Osanipin explained that inadequate verification, informal operations and limited access to comprehensive market data had created challenges for financial institutions, policymakers, corporate buyers and consumers. According to him, the portal would formalise dealership operations nationwide, authenticate legitimate and tax-compliant dealers, eliminate fraudulent and unaccredited operators, and bridge the verification gap among dealers, commercial banks and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) distributors.

He added that the platform would provide a central digital database for integrating industry information and facilitating collaboration with critical agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service and tax authorities, thereby strengthening vehicle clearance processes, curbing smuggling and addressing the circulation of uncleared vehicles.

The DG stressed that the initiative was neither a tax scheme nor a revenue barrier, but a formalisation framework aimed at protecting verified local investors, strengthening consumer confidence and providing legitimate dealerships with recognised digital identities. He said the initiative aligned with the objectives of the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) 2023–2033 and supported the implementation of the Federal Government’s Nigeria First Policy. According to him, registration would position accredited local vehicle assemblers and their authorised dealership networks to benefit from preferential government procurement and fleet purchases, while a structured dealership database would expand opportunities for institutional financing, OEM partnerships and participation in cross-border trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Also speaking, the Director, Policy, Planning and Statistics (PPS), NADDC, Mr. Umar Nura Sidi, said Abuja’s strategic position as the seat of government, a centre of regulatory coordination and a major hub for corporate and government fleet procurement made the FCT a critical location for the nationwide rollout of the portal. He said the initiative had received strong support from the National Assembly and the Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria (AMDON), describing the platform as a digital backbone for a more transparent, organised and accountable automotive market. Sidi noted that previous sensitisation sessions held in Lagos, Awka, Port Harcourt and Kaduna had generated significant stakeholder support, while the Abuja workshop was designed to provide practical onboarding assistance and technical guidance to dealerships across the FCT.

In his remarks the President of AMDON, Prince Ajibola Adedoyin, commended NADDC for initiating the dealership registration and regularisation process, describing it as a significant step towards bringing greater structure, recognition and credibility to the motor dealership sub-sector.

The AMDON President mentioned that motor dealers remained critical stakeholders in the automotive value chain and had over the years advocated stronger government support and regulation of their activities.

Adedoyin particularly appreciated the Director-General of NADDC, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, for his resilience, foresight and commitment to addressing longstanding challenges in the sub-sector, while urging all AMDON members and motor dealers nationwide to participate in the ongoing NADDC dealership registration exercise, stressing that formalisation would enhance the credibility, protection and sustainable growth of their businesses.

The speakers collectively enjoined motor dealers and other stakeholders to embrace the portal and take advantage of the opportunities offered by digital formalisation. They jointly emphasized that registration would establish a verified digital identity, enhance the creditworthiness and visibility of dealerships, strengthen consumer confidence and provide government with reliable data for effective policy formulation.

NADDC reaffirmed its commitment to continued collaboration with motor dealers, financial institutions, regulatory agencies and other industry stakeholders to build a technology-driven, transparent and competitive automotive sector, while encouraging dealership owners nationwide to complete their registration and embrace digital compliance as a pathway to a secure, profitable and globally recognised Nigerian automotive marketplace.

NADDC, DG Bag Double Awards.

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October 14, 2026

In a double honour, the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has emerged as a recipient of the prestigious Nigeria GovTech Public Service Award 2026 in the category of “Best Federal MDA in Innovative Use of Technology”, while the Director General, Otunba- Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin also received Distinguished GovTech Trailblazer’s Award in recognition of his leadership in promoting digital transformation, innovation and technology adoption in the public service.

The awards were presented during the 4th Nigeria GovTech Conference and Awards 2026, held on 13 October 2026 at the Banquet Hall, State House, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The recognition highlights the Council’s significant contributions to the innovative application of technology in transforming Nigeria’s automotive sector, particularly through digital platforms and technology-enabled systems that strengthen regulatory processes, centralise industry data, improve compliance, support investment decisions and enhance service delivery

The double honour also underscores NADDC’s commitment to leveraging technology and innovation to drive efficiency, transparency and improved service delivery, while advancing the development of a modern, competitive and sustainable Nigerian automotive industry.

NADDC, BPP Move to Implement Nigeria First Policy in Automotive Sector

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October 14, 2026

The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) have outlined plans to deepen the implementation of the Nigeria First Policy in the automotive sector, with a focus on boosting local production, creating jobs, strengthening Nigerian businesses and promoting the patronage of Made-in-Nigeria vehicles and automotive components. The agencies disclosed this on 9th October 2026, at a press conference held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

The Director-General of NADDC, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, said the Council was committed to supporting local vehicle assemblers to transition from Semi-Knocked Down (SKD) assembly to Complete Knocked Down (CKD) production. He noted that increased domestic vehicle production would also create greater opportunities for local automotive component manufacturers and deepen local content development across the industry.

Osanipin stated that NADDC would continue to collaborate with the BPP and other relevant stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the policy, stressing that companies that fail to comply with established government automotive regulations could be denied access to government patronage. He said the policy would encourage companies to expand their production capacity, reinvest in their businesses and create more employment opportunities for Nigerians.

The NADDC Director-General emphasised that sustained government patronage of locally manufactured vehicles and components would strengthen the domestic automotive value chain and provide the market confidence required for manufacturers to invest in higher levels of production. He added that the initiative was critical to achieving a more competitive, resilient and sustainable Nigerian automotive industry.

In his remarks, the Director-General of the BPP, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, said the Bureau was developing an institutional framework, standard policies and an appropriate circular to guide the implementation of the Nigeria First Policy across relevant government organisations, following the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He noted that the government had moved beyond policy declarations and commenced consultations with local automotive assemblers to better understand the challenges confronting domestic manufacturers, particularly the need for stronger demand for locally produced products.

Adedokun explained that the Nigeria First Policy was designed to strengthen Nigerian businesses and promote the use of Made-in-Nigeria products, including vehicles and automotive components. He noted that Nigerian companies were already producing components such as wipers and bolts, but required stronger market support and patronage to sustain and expand production.

According to him, successful implementation of the policy would promote industrialisation, create jobs for skilled workers and technicians, strengthen local supply chains and provide increased opportunities for young Nigerians. He added that stronger domestic production would reduce dependence on imported automotive products while encouraging investment, technology transfer and skills development within the sector.

Both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to sustained collaboration with local manufacturers and other stakeholders to ensure that the Nigeria First Policy delivers tangible benefits to the automotive industry and the Nigerian economy. They expressed confidence that effective implementation would position Nigeria as a competitive automotive manufacturing hub and a major supplier of vehicles, components and related products to the ECOWAS region and the wider African market.

NADDC, SON, NESREA Sign MOU and Reaffirm Commitment to Strengthen Vehicle Conformity Assessment

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October 9, 2026

The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), in collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the regulation of used vehicle imports into Nigeria through the Vehicle Conformity Assessment Programme (VehCAP). The programme, officially launched on 31st March 2026, represents a significant milestone in efforts to ensure that used vehicles entering the country meet established safety, environmental and quality standards.

The Director-General of NADDC, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, said the tripartite initiative brings together SON’s standardisation mandate, NESREA’s environmental regulatory responsibilities and NADDC’s technical automotive expertise to establish a coordinated framework for assessing imported used vehicles before they enter the Nigerian market. He commended the commitment and technical contributions of personnel from the three agencies, noting that the progress recorded under VehCAP demonstrates the importance of inter-agency collaboration in delivering effective regulatory reforms for the benefit of Nigerians.

According to him, VehCAP is primarily aimed at protecting lives, safeguarding the environment and ensuring that Nigerians derive value from imported used vehicles. He noted that by strengthening conformity assessment, the programme would help reduce the risks associated with unsafe and unroadworthy vehicles, curb harmful vehicular emissions and protect consumers from substandard imports. He therefore called for sustained collaboration and shared responsibility among the three agencies and stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the programme and the continued development of a safer, cleaner and more structured automotive sector.

The Director-General of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, described the signing of the reviewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NADDC, SON and NESREA as an important milestone in the implementation of VehCAP. He said the renewed institutional collaboration demonstrated the willingness and determination of the three agencies to succeed while strengthening the protection of stakeholders. He explained that the reviewed MoU provides a stronger institutional framework for coordinated implementation, adding that the success of VehCAP would depend largely on the quality of collaboration among the participating institutions and their ability to translate the agreed framework into practical results.

Dr. Okeke stated that with the signing of the reviewed MoU, the focus of the three institutions had shifted firmly towards implementation, stressing that their collective commitment would provide a strong foundation for the successful execution of VehCAP. He also called for continued support from stakeholders and partner institutions as the programme progresses into its next phase.

The Director-General of NESREA, Professor Innocent Bariate Barikor, described VehCAP as an important national programme that cuts across standards, automotive development, environmental protection, public safety, consumer protection and regulatory enforcement. He emphasised that its success depends on effective collaboration among the relevant institutions, noting that the programme provides a platform through which the respective regulatory functions of NADDC, SON and NESREA can complement one another to deliver a more effective vehicle compliance system.

Professor Barikor further stressed that NESREA’s participation is particularly significant because of the environmental implications associated with the automotive sector. He noted that vehicle emissions, air pollution, end-of-life vehicles and other environmental impacts across the automotive value chain require strong regulatory attention. According to him, ensuring that vehicles on Nigerian roads comply with applicable environmental standards, from manufacturing through usage and eventual disposal, remains an important component of the country’s broader environmental protection efforts.

The three agencies reaffirmed their commitment to placing the interests, safety and well-being of Nigerians at the centre of their regulatory interventions. They stressed that the effective implementation of VehCAP would contribute to improved road safety, environmental sustainability, consumer protection and greater confidence in Nigeria’s vehicle importation system, while supporting the development of a more organised and sustainable automotive industry.

Senate Moves to Strengthen Auto Sector, Pledges Auto Policy Legislation

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October 9, 2026

The Senate Committee has expressed its readiness to accelerate the passage of the proposed National Automotive Industry Bill 2026, to protect vehicle manufacturers and advance the development of the Nigeria automotive industry. The committee made this known during an oversight visit conducted in collaboration with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), to key automotive facilities in Kano and Kaduna States as part of efforts to assess the readiness and capacity of Nigeria’s automotive industry to meet local demand.

The oversight exercise, which commenced in Kano and proceeded to Kaduna on October 4th, 2026, provided the Committee with an opportunity to inspect facilities, assess their operational capacity and identify challenges affecting large-scale automotive production in the country. During the exercise, the Committee visited the NADDC Automotive Training/CNG Conversion Centre in Kano, PAN Nigeria Ltd in Kaduna, and D-PAN in Kaduna, where members inspected the facilities and assessed their capacity to contribute to increased local vehicle production and the development of the automotive value chain.

Speaking during the inspection, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industry, Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, expressed satisfaction with the state of the facilities visited, noting that they are operational and have the capacity to support massive production. He, however, stressed the need for sustained maintenance and stronger government support to enable the facilities to operate at full capacity.

Senator Fadahunsi further advocated policies that would encourage local production, particularly through restrictions on the importation of foreign-used vehicles, popularly known as Tokunbo, as well as tricycles that can be produced locally. He noted that such measures would strengthen domestic manufacturing, create jobs and protect investments in Nigeria’s automotive sector.

According to him, the oversight visit is in the national interest, as lawmakers need to understand the challenges confronting industries in order to develop appropriate legislative interventions. “We are the lawmakers, and the essence of the oversight is to see and know the challenges, so we can make sure that the law is passed,” he stated, emphasising the need to amend existing legislation and introduce appropriate restrictions on foreign-used vehicles where necessary.

The Director-General of NADDC, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, said the visit was particularly significant in the context of the Federal Government’s “Nigeria First Policy”. He explained that one of the major questions being asked is whether Nigeria has the capacity to produce enough vehicles to meet domestic demand, adding that the facilities inspected during the visit provide clear evidence that the country possesses the required industrial capacity.

The NADDC helmsman noted that several impediments to the growth of the automotive industry have already been identified and are being addressed systematically. He identified legislation, patronage, and access to credit as some of the key areas requiring attention, noting that the Nigeria First Policy is designed to encourage greater patronage of locally manufactured vehicles. He also disclosed that the Council is working with the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CrediCorp) to expand its credit schemes to cover more categories of vehicles beyond the current focus on two- and three-wheelers.

Osanipin stressed that the major challenges confronting Nigeria’s automotive industry are being addressed one after another through collaboration among relevant government institutions and industry stakeholders. He expressed optimism that sustained legislative support, increased patronage, accessible vehicle financing and appropriate policies would unlock the full potential of the sector and position Nigeria as a competitive automotive manufacturing hub.

YOCEN Honours Ambassador Hassiat Suleiman as ‘Amazon of Societal Transformation’

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October 8, 2026

The Special Adviser on Strategic Investment and Liaison with Federal Agencies to the Governor of Kogi State, Ambassador (Chief) Hassiat Ozavize Suleiman, has been honoured by the Youth Coalition for Education in Nigeria (YOCEN-Nigeria) with its Nobel Prize for Excellence, recognising her as an “Amazon of Societal Transformation in Nigeria.”

The award was presented during a courtesy visit by the leadership of YOCEN-Nigeria to Ambassador Suleiman in recognition of her contributions to youth development, education, sustainable development, good governance and nation-building.

The organisation described Ambassador Suleiman as a role model and mentor to young Nigerians and Africans, citing her commitment to human capacity development, advocacy for the Sustainable Development Goals and her passion for initiatives that improve the welfare and prospects of young people.

YOCEN also commended her leadership and interpersonal skills, describing her as a woman who has consistently demonstrated courage, intellectual capacity and commitment to effective service delivery.

Presenting the award, the YOCEN leadership said the recognition was intended to acknowledge Ambassador Suleiman’s contributions to societal transformation and encourage her continued engagement in initiatives promoting education and youth development.

The delegation was led by YOCEN Secretary-General, Engr. Yakubu Nurudeen Yahaya, and included the Director of Foreign Relations, Amb. Kobehi Kosa; Director of Media, Amb. Alexander Alfa; and Ex-Officio member, Amb. Jamiu Abraham.

YOCEN-Nigeria is a Pan-African youth development initiative focused on education, youth empowerment, sustainable development and advocacy. The organisation said it has undertaken programmes across Nigeria and other African countries, with particular emphasis on quality education and keeping the girl child in school.

Accepting the award, Ambassador Suleiman described the recognition as a profound honour, saying it represented not only a personal milestone but also a reflection of the collective responsibility to invest in the future of young people.

“I am deeply humbled by the title of ‘Amazon of Societal Transformation in Nigeria’ and by YOCEN’s conviction that education is a tool for societal development,” she said.

She stressed that youth empowerment and a strong educational foundation remained essential to sustainable development, adding that her work as Special Adviser was aligned with the broader development vision of the Kogi State Government.

“This honour is not just a personal milestone, but a reflection of our collective vision under the leadership of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, to drive strategic investments and meaningful collaboration across federal agencies,” Ambassador Suleiman said.

She thanked YOCEN for the recognition and dedicated the award to Nigerians working to create a better future for the country’s youth.“I dedicate this award to everyone working tirelessly to build a brighter, more prosperous future for our youth and our nation,” she added.

The visit also provided an opportunity for discussions around possible collaboration in youth capacity building, education, skills development and other initiatives aimed at improving opportunities for young Nigerians.

NADDC Begins Nationwide Registration Programme for AMDON

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October 2, 2026

Following the successful launch of National Automotive Repository Portal by National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), the Council has again commenced a nationwide registration programme for motor dealers in Nigeria, marking a significant step towards establishing a more structured, accountable and data-driven dealership system in Nigeria. The initiative, being implemented through a digital registration framework, is designed to identify and document motor dealerships operating across the country and create a reliable database that will provide government with a clearer picture of the size, distribution and activities of operators within the automotive market.

Speaking during the sensitisation programme for motor dealers in the North-West region held in Kaduna, on 30th September 2026, the Director-General of NADDC, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, represented by the Director, Policy, Planning and Statistics, Mr Umar Nura Sidi, said the registration exercise was aimed at bringing greater organisation and visibility to the dealership subsector. He explained that the initiative should not be viewed as an additional burden on dealers, but as an opportunity for legitimate businesses to establish an official identity and become more visible within Nigeria’s formal automotive ecosystem.

Osanipin noted that the absence of comprehensive and reliable data on motor dealerships had made it difficult to accurately determine the number, location and operational activities of dealers across the country. He said the new registration framework would address this gap and provide government with the information required to develop policies and programmes based on the realities of the sector. He added that formal registration would also provide dealers with a verifiable business identity capable of strengthening their engagement with banks, financial institutions, investors, suppliers and other business partners.

“For the dealer, registration provides an opportunity to establish a verifiable business identity within the automotive sector,” Osanipin said, adding that a properly documented dealership sector would contribute to greater consumer confidence. He further linked the initiative to the Council’s broader mandate of promoting a competitive, sustainable and properly organised automotive industry capable of contributing more effectively to Nigeria’s economic growth.

In the same vein, the National President of the Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria (AMDON), Prince Ajibola Adedoyin, expressed the association’s support for the initiative, stressing that a properly organised dealership subsector would provide a stronger foundation for collaboration between dealers and government. He noted that motor dealers play an important role in the automotive value chain and the wider economy, adding that the subsector had over time called for measures that would bring greater structure and proper identification to operators. He therefore encouraged dealers to actively participate in the registration process.

The Council identified the North-West as a strategic region for the exercise, given its vibrant commercial activities and significant role in vehicle distribution, transportation, agriculture, logistics and regional trade. NADDC therefore called on motor dealers across the region and other parts of the country to participate in the registration exercise, assuring stakeholders that it would sustain consultations with AMDON, state governments, financial institutions and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that the framework remains accessible, transparent and responsive to operators’ needs. The Council said the exercise ultimately seeks to create a more visible, organised and accountable motor dealership subsector while providing the data and institutional framework required to support informed policy decisions and the continued development of Nigeria’s automotive industry.

NADDC #automotiveindustry #madeinnigeriavehicle #FutureOfMobility #innovation

Ododo Administration Moves to Strengthen Broadcasting as New Corporation House Project Begins

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September 29, 2026

Today, history was made as the Kogi State Government formally handed over the site for the construction of the Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation House in Okene.

The historic event was witnessed by the Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Taye Abanika; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Electronic Media, Hon. Yussuf Adebayo Ohiare; the first female Director-General of the Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation, Hajia Hauwa Yusuf; and other top government officials.

The project, which is being undertaken by WideView, is expected to be delivered within 16 weeks.

I sincerely thank His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his strong commitment to the growth and transformation of the broadcast sector in Kogi State. Broadcasting remains a critical bridge between government and the people, and a powerful platform for galvanising grassroots participation in governance.

I also commend my colleague, a hardworking professional, Hon. Taye Abanika, for the excellent work he has done in translating His Excellency’s promise to the people into reality. His dedication to the delivery of this important project is worthy of commendation.

The new Broadcasting Corporation House represents another significant step in strengthening the institutional capacity of our broadcast industry and positioning it to serve the people of Kogi State even more effectively.

God bless the Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation.
God bless Kogi State.

Kingsley Femi Fanwo

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.

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