The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), on 2nd April, received a delegation from Earthoc Energy Limited at the Council’s Headquarters in Abuja, to discuss progress and partnership opportunities in advancing Nigeria’s clean energy transition within the automotive sector.
Speaking during the visit, the Chief Technical Officer of Earthoc Energy Limited, Odim Kalu, highlighted the company’s achievements in Rivers State, particularly in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicle conversion, public sensitization, and training programmes.
He noted that the company has expanded into electric conversion of tricycles and is working to address infrastructure challenges such as CNG station development. He emphasized the importance of awareness and capacity building in driving the adoption of new energy technologies and expressed the company’s interest in partnering with NADDC to deliver youth-focused training, including free truck conversion programmes.
In his response, the Director-General of NADDC, Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, commended the company’s efforts in promoting clean energy solutions through training and sensitization. He reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance local capacity and accelerate the adoption of new energy vehicles.
He further noted that the Federal Government, with support from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), is making significant investments in gas infrastructure to support the transition.
Both parties expressed readiness to collaborate in advancing sustainable, technology-driven transportation in Nigeria.
The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), in collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), on 31st March 2026, launched the Vehicle Conformity Assessment Programme (VehCAP), a strategic initiative aimed at improving vehicle safety, environmental compliance, and the overall quality of vehicles entering Nigeria.
The programme responds to growing concerns over the importation of used vehicles without proper verification of safety, structural integrity, emissions performance, and lifecycle history—factors that contribute to road accidents, environmental risks, and unfair competition within the automotive sector.
During the official launch of the VehCAP initiative in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, John Owan Enoh, described the initiative as a testament to the power of collaboration between the two key institutions—NADDC and SON. He expressed appreciation to the President for enabling the initiative and commended the administration’s commitment to industrialising Nigeria and protecting citizens from substandard goods.
The Minister further highlighted that the programme integrates vehicle safety into Nigeria’s broader economic policy framework, including fiscal instruments, foreign exchange management, import financing, and vehicle renewal systems, all aligned with safety and standardisation objectives. He emphasised that with the commencement of the SON–NADDC VehCAP, all new and used vehicles, as well as automotive products entering Nigeria, must obtain Shipment Certification under VehCAP prior to approval processes, including customs valuation, port processing, import clearance, and eventual market entry.
Speaking on the initiative, the Director-General of NADDC, Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, explained that VehCAP introduces a proactive system that ensures vehicles are inspected and certified before shipment into Nigeria, marking a critical shift from the previous “inspect after arrival” approach to a more effective “verify before entry” framework.
Under the initiative, NADDC will provide technical oversight, including vehicle classification, model verification, and alignment with national automotive policies, ensuring the programme supports both regulation and industry development.
Also speaking, the Director-General of SON, Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, acknowledged the leadership and commitment of the Honourable Minister in strengthening Nigeria’s industrial and regulatory systems. He noted that the Minister’s policy direction and steadfast support for standards-driven initiatives continue to reinforce the critical role of quality infrastructure in national economic development.
He further emphasised that the initiative is fully aligned with the vision of Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which places strong emphasis on economic revitalisation, industrial competitiveness, and the protection of Nigerian lives. Strengthening product standards, improving regulatory coordination, and safeguarding the Nigerian market from unsafe and substandard imports remain essential pillars of this vision.
In addition, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Industry, Francis Fadahunsi, and the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Isokpunwu Christopher Osaruwanwem, both expressed their full commitment and support for the successful implementation of VehCAP, underscoring the importance of strong legislative and institutional backing in achieving the programme’s objectives.
The programme is expected to enhance road safety, strengthen consumer protection, promote environmental sustainability, and restore market discipline by restricting substandard vehicle imports while encouraging compliance.
Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have been urged to align their procurement processes with VehCAP requirements and support its implementation through coordinated efforts.
VehCAP represents a significant milestone in inter-agency collaboration between NADDC and SON, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to a safer, more structured, and globally competitive automotive sector.
NADDC Advocates Investment in Motorsport at Turbo Fest 2026.
Tinubu’s Turbo Fest 2026, held on 29 March at Eagle Square, marked a major milestone in Nigeria’s automotive and sporting development. Organized by Naija Autosports in collaboration with National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), the event showcased the potential of motorsport to drive innovation and economic growth.
The Director-General of NADDC, Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, emphasized motorsport as a catalyst for technological advancement, job creation, and youth empowerment, while stressing the need for structured development, regulation, and investment in the sector.
The event attracted key stakeholders and dignitaries, demonstrating strong institutional support for building a professional, safe, and economically viable motorsport industry. Beyond entertainment, it highlighted opportunities for employment, investment, tourism, and industrial growth.
Dedicated to celebrating the birthday of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the festival symbolically aligned with his vision for a modern, innovative, and globally competitive Nigeria. Stakeholders noted that the energy, precision, and discipline displayed reflect the administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and sustainable development.
Overall, the event signaled Nigeria’s readiness to leverage motorsport as a driver of innovation, safety, and economic growth.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has once again demonstrated its commitment to prompt emergency response and road safety management following a serious multiple road traffic crash that occurred around the Kugbo Furniture Market axis of the AYA–Nyanya route in the Federal Capital Territory on the evening of Monday, 16 March 2026.
The crash, which involved six vehicles including two tippers, a commercial bus, and private vehicles, occurred at about 1648HRS. Within four minutes of receiving the distress call, the FRSC rescue team from Zebra 12 Unit promptly arrived at the scene and immediately commenced life-saving operations.
In a coordinated rescue effort, officers successfully extricated a trapped victim from one of the heavily damaged tippers and administered first aid before evacuating him to the National Hospital for comprehensive medical attention.
A total of 39 persons were involved in the crash, with 2 male victims sustaining injuries ranging from bruises to fractures. One of the victims received immediate first aid at the scene as personnel worked tirelessly to stabilise the situation, prevent further casualties, and ensure the safety of other road users.
The Unit Commander led officers and marshals on ground to coordinate the rescue and traffic management operations, while heavy duty recovery equipment was mobilised to remove the crashed vehicles that obstructed the highway.
Through coordinated traffic control measures, the Corps operatives prevented a potential gridlock and restored normal traffic flow along the busy AYA–Nyanya corridor. Following the successful rescue and evacuation of victims, vehicles involved in the crash were handed over to Karu Police Division for further investigation.
The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed at whose instance, the rescue and clearance of obstructions were carried out re-echoed FRSC’s commitment to protecting lives on Nigerian roads through rapid emergency response, professional rescue operations, and effective traffic management.
He therefore urged motorists, particularly drivers of heavyduty vehicles, to maintain safe speed limits, observe proper lane discipline, and remain vigilant at all times to prevent avoidable crashes.
Signed: Felicia Kalu mnipr Corps Commander Corps Public Education Officer Federal Road Safety Corps National Headquarters, Abuja cpeo@frsc.gov.ng info@frsc.gov.ng
The Federal Road Safety Corps wishes to inform the motoring public of a road traffic crash around the Kugbo–AYA–Nyanya–Mararaba axis involving a Dangote truck and a tipper which rammed into the truck from behind. Operatives from the Nyanya Unit Command, including the Zebra team and other officers and marshals, are currently on ground managing the situation and working to restore normal traffic flow along the corridor.
Motorists and other road users are advised to exercise patience, drive with caution, and strictly obey traffic instructions from FRSC personnel and other security agencies controlling traffic around the area. Commuters are also encouraged to consider alternative routes where possible to ease congestion while response and clearance operations are ongoing. Further updates will be communicated as more details become available.
In an inspiring and audacious demonstration of integrity, discipline, and professionalism, operatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) attached to the Zaria Unit Command have recovered and safely returned the sum of ₦3,727,500 in cash alongside other valuables worth about ₦500,000 from the scene of a fatal road crash, reaffirming the Corps’ enduring reputation for honesty and public trust. The tragic crash occurred on Sunday, 15 March 2026, along the Zaria–Funtua Highway near Zaria Academy, involving a Toyota Corolla and a Peugeot 806 carrying a total of nine passengers. The unfortunate incident claimed one life at the scene, while eight others sustained varying degrees of injuries. Upon receiving the distress call, FRSC rescue teams responded swiftly, providing immediate first aid before evacuating the injured victims to the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, for urgent medical attention. During the rescue and post-crash clearance operation, the vigilant FRSC personnel discovered a large sum of money and other valuable items scattered across the crash site. Demonstrating exceptional discipline and moral courage, the officers carefully secured the ₦3,727,500 and safeguarded all recovered valuables, ensuring they were protected until they could be properly returned to their rightful owners. In a moving moment on Monday, 16 March 2026, the Zaria Unit Commander, Chief Route Commander Nasiru A. Falgore, formally handed over the recovered money to the victims in the presence of their relatives and witnesses. The gesture symbolised far more than the return of cash, it reflected the ethical foundation upon which the FRSC operates and its deep commitment to protecting both lives and property on Nigerian roads. Commending the officers for their exemplary conduct, the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed described the act as a true reflection of the Corps’ institutional values of honesty, accountability, and service to humanity, noting that integrity remains the defining character of FRSC personnel across the country. He commended the Unit Commander as well as Zaria operatives for upholding the highest standards of discipline and transparency. The Corps Marshal further reiterated that the Corps under his leadership will continue to strengthen a culture of discipline, accountability, and professionalism, stressing that integrity must remain the guiding principle for all personnel in the execution of their responsibilities. Overwhelmed with relief and gratitude, the beneficiaries praised the Corps for its rare sincerity, noting that the officers not only saved lives through their swift rescue response but also safeguarded their hard-earned money at a moment of great vulnerability. They pledged to become ambassadors of road safety in their communities by promoting responsible driving and strict adherence to traffic regulations. This remarkable act stands as yet another proof of the Corps’ culture of integrity and professionalism, reinforcing public confidence in the Corps as a dependable institution committed not only to traffic enforcement but also to honour, transparency, and selfless service to the nation.
Signed:
Felicia Kalu mnipr
Corps Commander, Corps Public Education Officer,
Federal Road Safety Corps National Headquarters, Abuja
The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has emphasised the critical role teachers play in driving Nigeria’s digital transformation, noting that classrooms will be central to shaping the country’s technology-driven future.
Inuwa made the remark during a stakeholders’ dialogue organised by the Development of Educational Action Network Initiative (DEAN) in Abuja.
Speaking on the theme “Nigeria’s Current Digital Landscape: Our Reality and Its Practical Connection to Education,” the NITDA DG, who was represented by the agency’s Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, Dr. Aristotle Onumo, said the rapid expansion of the digital economy is reshaping the education sector and redefining the role of teachers in modern learning environments.
He explained that while digital technologies have created unprecedented access to information and opportunities for students, they also present challenges that require guidance and responsible use.
According to him, teachers must go beyond the traditional role of knowledge transmission to become mentors who help students navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
“Teachers are no longer just instructors; they are now guides who help students identify credible information, avoid harmful online content, and develop responsible digital behaviour,” he said.
Inuwa added that educators must cultivate critical thinking among students while equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven society.
He reaffirmed NITDA’s commitment to advancing digital literacy nationwide through initiatives such as the Digital Literacy for All programme and partnerships with educational institutions aimed at strengthening teachers’ digital capacity.
The NITDA boss stressed that empowering teachers with digital skills is vital to preparing Nigerian students for the future workforce and ensuring the country remains competitive in the global digital economy.
Nigeria is currently pursuing an ambitious digital literacy agenda, targeting 70 per cent digital literacy by 2027 as part of broader efforts to build a knowledge-driven economy powered by innovation and technology.
Earlier in his remarks, the Executive Director of DEAN Initiative, Semiye Michael, said the workshop was designed to re-engineer teachers’ capacity in line with the realities of the digital economy.
“We need to strengthen teachers’ competence and provide them with access to the necessary digital infrastructure,” Michael said, adding that the engagement would help shape policies that support technology-driven learning in Nigerian schools.
He described the workshop as an “awesome experience,” noting that ideas generated during the session would be consolidated into a policy guide for the ministry and other relevant agencies.
Michael further noted that strengthening teachers’ digital capacity would be vital to enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global knowledge economy.
The event attracted key stakeholders from the Federal Ministry of Education, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), as well as private sector experts.
The attention of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has been drawn to the activities of individuals who take pictures and video footage of unsuspecting members of the general public and share same on social media platforms. These acts violate the rights of citizens to informational self-determination as guaranteed under S.37 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 (NDP Act). The particular case of a content creator who stands at roadsides in Lagos State to create a “reality show” of unsuspecting members of the general public raises concerns about abuse of rights in the name of entertainment. Processing the images of people, in this circumstance, requires consent unless the creator can justify her actions under other lawful bases of data processing. Preliminary investigation by the Commission reveals that this wilful invasion of citizens’ privacy serves neither a public nor a legitimate interest. In any event, the data subjects involved have no expectation that their images will be captured and shared with the whole world by an unknown individual. In the wake of this development, the National Commissioner/CEO of the Commission, Dr Vincent Olatunji, has directed platform owners (such as TikTok, X, and Meta) to step up enforcement of community guidelines with a view to preventing harm to individuals through unlawful and unfair processing of personal data. For the avoidance of doubt, where a platform owner fails or neglects to act timeously in addressing harms, the Commission will not hesitate to impose appropriate sanctions under the NDP Act. More importantly, individual content creators are accountable for their acts and omissions, and may be liable to criminal prosecution for violating the privacy rights of citizens and other data subjects in Nigeria.
Signed Babatunde Bamigboye, Esq. CDPRP Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations
The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) headquarters in Abuja on March 10, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration aimed at advancing Nigeria’s automotive sector and supporting the nation’s energy transition.
The NADDC delegation, led by the Director General, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, was received by the Authority Chief Executive of NMDPRA, Engr. Saidu Mohammed. The meeting focused on exploring strategic areas of partnership that align with shared national goals of industrial development, sustainable mobility and energy transition.
Osanipin emphasized the Council’s regulatory role in ensuring safety and quality standards in vehicle conversion from petrol (PMS) to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). He noted that NADDC works closely with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to certify conversion kits and accredit workshops with the required equipment and qualified engineers to ensure safe and reliable conversions.
The DG also stressed that the success of the CNG conversion initiative depends largely on the availability and accessibility of gas nationwide, noting that strengthened collaboration with NMDPRA will help ensure adequate gas supply to support the growing number of conversion centers across the country.
Welcoming the delegation, Engr. Saidu Mohammed highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between both institutions, reaffirming NMDPRA’s commitment to strengthening the existing relationship for the mutual benefit of both organizations and the broader Nigerian economy.
The visit concluded with both agencies reaffirming their commitment to enhancing collaboration that supports Nigeria’s automotive development.
In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, which places strong emphasis on integrity, discipline, and a firm stand against corruption in public service; the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed, has directed members of the Corps Management to embark on a nationwide engagement with officers and men across all formations of the Corps.
The initiative is aimed at sanitising the operational culture of the Corps and reinforcing professionalism, productivity, and ethical service delivery in the discharge of its life-saving mandate.
The strategic engagement, which took place across commands nationwide on 3 March 2026, forms a critical pillar of the Corps Marshal’s ongoing reform agenda designed to reposition the Corps as a model institution built on discipline, accountability, and public trust. During the engagements, members of Management delivered a clear and uncompromising message to personnel: the era of mediocrity is over.
Officers and men were charged to recommit themselves to the highest standards of discipline, integrity, and operational excellence, while upholding a zero-tolerance stance on corruption in the discharge of their duties.
The Corps leadership emphasised that the renewed focus on professionalism is essential to strengthening institutional integrity and restoring public confidence in the Corps. Personnel were reminded that the mandate of the Federal Road Safety Corps goes beyond enforcement to protecting lives, promoting responsible road use, and serving the Nigerian public with honour, transparency, and accountability.
Under the leadership of Shehu Mohammed, the Corps is witnessing a renewed drive toward institutional renewal, one that prioritises professionalism, ethical conduct, and operational efficiency as the bedrock of service.
The nationwide engagement therefore represents a decisive step in reinforcing a culture where integrity is non-negotiable, excellence is expected, and every officer remains committed to the Corps’ core mission of saving lives on Nigerian roads.
The Management of the Corps reiterates its commitment to these reforms and assures the motoring public that the Corps will continue to strengthen its operations in order to deliver safer roads and improved service to the nation.
Signed:
Olusegun Ogungbemide mni FISPON anipr Assistant Corps Marshal Corps Public Education Officer Federal Road Safety Corps Headquarters, Abuja cpeo@frsc.gov.ng info@frsc.gov.ng
