In a significant step forward for Nigeria’s automotive industry, the federal government has inaugurated the National Automotive Design and Development Council’s (NADDC) newly established Automotive Training and CNG Conversion Centre in Kano State. At the official opening ceremony, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), emphasized the government’s dedication to job creation through the effective utilization of national resources. She highlighted the CNG Conversion Centre as part of the FMITI and NADDC’s initiatives aimed at aligning with the Presidential CNG initiative.
Dr. Uzoka-Anite commended the NADDC leadership and their team for turning this vision into reality and congratulated the people of Kano State for being among the first beneficiaries of the CNG Conversion Centres. She urged all Nigerians to adopt this new technology to enhance education and create employment opportunities.
The NADDC Director-General, Joseph Osanipin, welcomed the minister and other prominent figures at the event. He underscored the importance of investing in automotive skills as a means of combating poverty and promoting local development. “The council is committed to building local capacity and ensuring sustainability within the industry,” he said, noting that 21 training facilities have been established nationwide, with 15 fully equipped. The Kano Centre, he added, will focus on skill development and will soon offer training in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion, with the aim of empowering youth and benefiting the community.
Osanipin remarked that the newly equipped training centre would enable technicians and mechatronics specialists to convert existing petrol and diesel vehicles into gas-powered models. “This initiative not only addresses the rising demand for gas-powered vehicles but also equips local technicians with vital skills for proper maintenance and repair of these vehicles,” he concluded.
Other distinguished guests at the inauguration included the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Nura Abba Rimi, alongside representatives and members from the Nigeria Automotive Technicians Association (NATA) and the MotorMechs and Technicians Association of Nigeria (MOMTAN).
