FG Commissions NADDC Automotive Training Centre in Gusau, Reinforces Commitment to Industrial Growth and Youth Empowerment
The Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to industrial development, human capital advancement and economic transformation with the commissioning of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) Automotive Training Centre in Gusau, Zamfara State.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Thursday, 11 June 2026, Senator Enoh described the facility as more than a physical structure, stating that it represents a gateway to opportunities, innovation, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth for Zamfara State and the wider North-West region.
The Minister commended the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, the state government, traditional institutions and the people of the state for their support and commitment to development initiatives, noting that the partnership between the Federal Government and Zamfara State is critical to advancing youth empowerment and industrial development.
Highlighting Zamfara’s strategic importance, Senator Enoh observed that the state occupies a vital position within Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape, with significant potential to emerge as a major hub for technical skills development and automotive services owing to its youthful population and entrepreneurial spirit.
He emphasized that the automotive industry remains one of the world’s leading drivers of industrialization, supporting growth in manufacturing, engineering, electronics, logistics, transportation, information technology and renewable energy.
According to him, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment continues to place technical and vocational education at the centre of Nigeria’s industrial development agenda.
The Minister explained that through the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP), the Federal Government is pursuing increased local vehicle production, deeper local content participation, technology transfer, alternative fuel technologies and sustainable job creation. He stressed that achieving these objectives depends on building a highly skilled workforce capable of adapting to modern automotive technologies, including advanced diagnostics, mechatronics, electric vehicles, compressed natural gas (CNG) systems and digital mobility solutions.
Senator Enoh disclosed that the Federal Government has intensified engagements with international investors and leading automotive manufacturers to establish industrial hubs and expand local production capacity across the country. He added that efforts are also underway to revitalize automotive component industries such as tyre manufacturing, battery production, vehicle assembly and alternative energy technologies.
He noted that the establishment of Automotive Training Centres across the country by NADDC is designed to ensure equitable access to technical education while promoting inclusive national development. These centres, he said, are intended to serve as engines of economic empowerment, social inclusion and technological advancement.
For Zamfara State, the Minister stated that the newly commissioned centre represents a strategic intervention aimed at unlocking the potential of the state’s youth by equipping them with practical, industry-relevant skills that will reduce unemployment, stimulate entrepreneurship and contribute to long-term peace and prosperity.
He added that the facility will also serve neighbouring states within the North-West region, strengthening Zamfara’s role as a centre for automotive skills development and innovation.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding automotive infrastructure and supporting local manufacturing, Senator Enoh said the administration remains focused on creating an enabling environment for private sector investment while building a globally competitive automotive industry capable of contributing significantly to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product and generating employment opportunities for millions of citizens.
The Minister also praised the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, for his leadership and dedication to transforming Nigeria’s automotive sector through impactful programmes and projects. He further acknowledged the contributions of development partners, technical experts, community leaders, traditional rulers, educational institutions and private sector stakeholders whose collaboration made the project possible.
Concluding his remarks, Senator Enoh reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to industrialization, youth empowerment, local content development, technology transfer and sustainable economic growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He expressed confidence that the Automotive Training Centre would serve as a lasting beacon of hope, innovation and opportunity for the people of Zamfara State, the North-West region and Nigeria as a whole.