The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) is taking significant steps to lessen Nigeria’s reliance on imported vehicle components, which cost the nation over $1 billion annually. This was announced by NADDC Director-General Joseph Osanipin during the Midas NFX Software Automotive Design Skills Boot Camp in Abuja.
Osanipin lamented the staggering cost of importing spare parts and emphasized the urgent need for local manufacturing capabilities. “The country spends over one billion dollars annually on imported spare parts. This massive expenditure underscores the necessity of developing advanced design and manufacturing skills locally to stimulate economic growth and reduce reliance on imports,” he stated.
The boot camp, organized by the NADDC, is dedicated to training engineers and designers in the use of Midas NFX software, an advanced tool for designing and simulating automotive components. This software helps users optimize material selection and meet precise manufacturing requirements, representing a critical step in modernizing Nigeria’s automotive landscape. Osanipin aims to train 100 engineers over the next year, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. “The training is not limited to NADDC staff but is also open to private sector participants who may lack access to such advanced resources,” he added.
Osanipin emphasized the importance of knowledge in bridging the skills gap within the industry, stating, “By fostering innovation within the industry, we not only enhance local expertise but also pave the way for producing quality spare parts locally, ultimately saving foreign exchange.”
He also pointed out the vast potential within Nigeria’s automotive sector, particularly in manufacturing components such as batteries, brake pads, and filters. While local lubricant manufacturing has made progress, there remains a significant opportunity to utilize local talent for designing and producing essential parts, which could create jobs and enhance self-sufficiency. The automotive aftermarket represents a considerable economic opportunity, making training programs like this one vital for unlocking that potential.
In a show of support, Dr. Abdullawal Zubair, Managing Director of FAZSAL Nigeria Limited, praised the NADDC for providing access to advanced tools like 3D scanners and printers. “The equipment provided is among the best globally. Participants should leverage this opportunity to improve their skills, benefiting both their careers and the broader industry,” Zubair encouraged.
This training initiative is expected to lay a solid foundation for a more self-reliant and innovative Nigerian automotive industry, enhancing the country’s competitiveness on the global stage.
