Chief Joseph Osanipin, Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), has called on Nigerian youths to actively engage in the country’s automotive industry, highlighting the wide range of opportunities available. Speaking at the National Conference on Youth Empowerment Through Automotive Innovation at the Civic Center, Ibadan, Osanipin detailed efforts to bridge the skills gap and empower young Nigerians.
“We recognize the gaps in the automotive sector, particularly in knowledge and skill acquisition,” Osanipin said. “To address this, we have implemented practical measures to equip youths to contribute meaningfully. However, many young Nigerians are not yet fully engaged. The automotive ecosystem is vast and can accommodate a wide range of specializations, yet much of this potential remains untapped.”
He emphasized that opportunities extend beyond vehicle manufacturing. “Youths can specialize in manufacturing specific automotive components, which can sometimes have a greater impact than producing complete vehicles. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays a growing role in new energy vehicles, which rely heavily on advanced technology and Artificial Intelligence. Nigerian youths are innovative in ICT, and we aim to channel this creativity into the automotive sector,” he explained.
Osanipin shared that around 100 youths are currently participating in NADDC programs, with 50 trained in operating two- and three-wheeled motorcycles and tricycles, and another 50 trained in mechatronics and converting petrol vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). Since the initiative’s inception, over 30,000 Nigerians have received training, with the council providing essential tools and equipment to ensure graduates can apply their skills effectively.
“We do not merely provide training; we empower our youths,” he said. “Expertise alone is not enough without the proper tools. By equipping young people with both skills and resources, we enable them to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s automotive industry.”
The initiative is part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to integrate youths into key sectors, foster innovation, and strengthen local capacity across the automotive value chain, positioning Nigeria as a hub for automotive development in Africa.
