The Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, Mr Joseph Osanipin, has said that the Federal Government remains committed to building a new generation of skilled Nigerian technicians capable of supporting the nation’s transition to cleaner, more sustainable mobility solutions.
Osanipin stated this in his welcome address at the opening ceremony and flag-off of a specialised mechatronics training on the repair and maintenance of petrol and Compressed Natural Gas tricycles for youths and technicians in Oyo State on Wednesday. The programme is a collaboration between NADDC, DAG Industries Limited (makers of Bajaj tricycles), and the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives (Monitoring and Delivery).
According to him, the training represents “another important milestone in our collective mission to empower Nigerian youths through practical, industry-driven skills that will prepare them for evolving opportunities in the nation’s automotive and clean energy sectors.”
He said the global shift from conventional fuels to CNG is not merely a matter of technology, but also about people, knowledge, and trust.
“As we embrace this clean energy transition agenda, it is important to recognize that awareness and training are the bedrock of success in this journey,” Osanipin explained. “When the public is well-informed about the economic, environmental, and safety benefits of CNG, adoption becomes easier. It builds confidence and assures citizens that CNG is a safe, reliable, and affordable alternative.”
The NADDC boss emphasised that CNG systems must be handled with precision and care, making it crucial to build a workforce of competent technicians who can safely maintain and service CNG-powered tricycles.
“This training will empower our youths with new skills, opening doors to employment and entrepreneurship within the CNG value chain,” he added.
Osanipin noted that the NADDC, being the Federal Government agency mandated to promote the growth and development of Nigeria’s automotive industry, is taking a leading role in the country’s clean energy transition.
“It has become critical to equip our youths and technicians with the technical know-how required to sustain these modern mobility solutions,” he said. “This initiative is not only a capacity-building programme but a gateway to innovation, employment, and self-reliance.”
The trainees, he said, have been carefully selected to undergo intensive, hands-on sessions covering engine diagnostics and repair, fuel system management, safety in handling CNG components, preventive maintenance, and entrepreneurial guidance for workshop start-ups. Participants will receive certificates upon completion to enhance their employability and ability to establish service centres.
Highlighting NADDC’s broader agenda for human capital development, Osanipin disclosed that the Council has embarked on the establishment of Automotive Training Centres across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. A total of 21 centres are under development, many of which have been completed and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.
“Some of these ATCs are already serving as CNG conversion centres,” he revealed, adding that the initiative would promote international best practices, ensure safety, and enhance the skills of local technicians.
The NADDC chief also commended the Oyo State Government for its support and hospitality, describing the partnership as vital to the programme’s success. He equally appreciated DAG Industries Limited for its commitment to local manufacturing and technology transfer, and the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives for translating government policy into tangible impact at the grassroots.
Encouraging participants to maximise the opportunity, he said the skills they would acquire are “not just technical but transformative.”
“You are being prepared to become the next generation of skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and change agents within Nigeria’s automotive and clean energy landscape,” he told the trainees.
Concluding, Osanipin reaffirmed NADDC’s commitment to driving Nigeria’s automotive future through innovation and youth empowerment. “Together, we are building a strong foundation for a resilient, innovative, and sustainable automotive industry driven by Nigerian talent and ingenuity,” he declared.
