The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has trained more than 15,000 technicians under its Mechatronics Programme aimed at boosting tricycle and motorcycle repair and maintenance skills.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of a five day specialised training in Makurdi, Benue State, the Director General of NADDC, Joseph Osanipin, said the initiative is part of the Council’s efforts to bridge Nigeria’s automotive skills gap, strengthen technical capacity, and create sustainable livelihoods for youths and technicians.
“Through collaboration with stakeholders, including Simba Group Nigeria, the Council has successfully trained over 15,000 technicians in the Mechatronics Programme for Tricycle and Motorcycle Repair and Maintenance,” Osanipin stated.
The DG explained that the training programme aligns with the Federal Government’s Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative, which has already attracted $980 million in investments, deployed 20,000 CNG-powered vehicles, and established more than 315 conversion centres nationwide.
“Today’s tricycles and motorcycles are increasingly defined by electronic systems and dual-fuel technology (Petrol and CNG) rather than purely mechanical systems. Preparing our technicians for this shift is not only necessary but urgent,” he added.
Highlighting infrastructure to support the programme, Osanipin revealed that NADDC has established 21 Automotive Training Centres across the six geopolitical zones, with 16 already equipped with state-of-the-art tools in line with global trends.
He commended Simba Group Nigeria, the Benue State Government, and the Benue State Investment Promotion Agency for their support, while urging the beneficiaries to apply their new skills to advance their careers, support small businesses, and boost local economic growth.
