By Kabir Dan-Katsina, Birnin Kebbi
The Minister of State Industry, Trade And Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh has Wednesday, commissioned federal government’s National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) Automotive Training Centre (ATC) in Birnin Kebbi the capital of Kebbi state, where about 100 youths graduated on Specialized Mechatronics Training Programme, reinforcing its commitment to skills development, youth empowerment and the growth of Nigeria’s automotive industry.
The centre which was established by the NADDC in partnership with Kebbi state government, the Centre is designed to serve as a hub for automotive skills acquisition, technology transfer, innovation and workforce development across the North-West region.
Speaking during the commissioning of the facility, the minister described the project as a reflection of the Federal Government’s commitment to industrialisation, local content development and the “Nigeria First” policy.
He noted that the Centre would create opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship and technical advancement within the automotive sector.
Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi state represented by his Deputy, Senator Abubakar Umar Tafidan Kabi commended NADDC for bringing the initiative to Kebbi State, describing the Centre as a strategic investment in human capital development, job creation and economic growth. He added that the project aligns with both the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking earlier, the Director-General of NADDC, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, stated that the Centre underscores the Council’s commitment to building a skilled workforce to support Nigeria’s automotive transformation.
He noted that the facility is equipped with modern training tools and equipment to provide practical, industry-driven learning for technicians, artisans, students and automotive entrepreneurs.
The occasion featured the graduation of 100 youths who successfully completed a specialised mechatronics training programme on the maintenance and repair of PMS and CNG-powered tricycles and motorcycles.
Certificates were presented to the participants by the minister which marked another milestone in NADDC’s efforts to promote skill acquisition, technical education, new energy adoption and sustainable economic opportunities for Nigerians.
