NADDC Commissions Automotive Training Centre in Potiskum

The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has commissioned a state-of-the-art Automotive Training Centre in Potiskum, Yobe State, marking a significant expansion of Nigeria’s industrial technical capacity.

The ceremony, which took place on Thursday, February 12, 2026, also celebrated the graduation of the first batch of participants from the Council’s intensive mechatronics training program.

This initiative specifically targeted technical skills for the maintenance and repair of vehicles powered by both Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), aligning with the Federal Government’s strategic pivot toward alternative energy in the transport sector.

The Director-General of the NADDC, Mr. Joseph Osanipin, emphasized during the commissioning that the Potiskum facility is part of a nationwide network of 21 planned training centers designed to bridge the gap between traditional mechanical skills and modern automotive technology.

The curriculum for the mechatronics program integrates mechanical engineering with electronics and computer control systems, which are essential for diagnosing and repairing modern engines and conversion kits.

By focusing on CNG technology, the NADDC is providing a critical support structure for the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (Pi-CNG), which aims to convert 100,000 vehicles to gas to mitigate the impact of subsidy removal on transportation costs.

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From an economic perspective, the establishment of the training center in Yobe State serves as a catalyst for regional youth empowerment and job creation.

Historically, the North-East region has faced challenges in accessing high-tech industrial training, leading to a reliance on technicians from other zones or the use of outdated repair methods that compromise vehicle longevity.

The new center is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and simulators, allowing local artisans to transition from “trial-and-error” mechanics to certified automotive technicians.

This professionalization of the trade is expected to increase the commercial value of local workshops and provide a steady supply of skilled labor for the emerging gas-powered transport fleet.

The transition to CNG and Electric Vehicles (EVs) is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, which targets a 40% local content threshold in automotive manufacturing by 2030.

According to NADDC data, Nigeria spends approximately $1 billion annually on the importation of spare parts a figure the Council aims to reduce by fostering local component manufacturing and specialized maintenance.

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By training technicians in mechatronics, the government is ensuring that the infrastructure exists to maintain more complex, locally assembled vehicles, thereby boosting investor confidence in the Nigerian automotive market.

This systemic approach is intended to transform Nigeria from a consumer-driven market for used foreign vehicles into a hub for regional automotive production and technical expertise.

The involvement of traditional and local leadership, including the Mai Potiskum, underscores the communal support for the project.

Local authorities have noted that the center will not only serve Yobe State but also act as a regional hub for technicians from neighboring Borno, Bauchi, and Gombe states.

This regional integration is vital for creating a standardized maintenance network along the major northern trade corridors, where heavy-duty and commercial vehicles are increasingly adopting dual-fuel systems to stay competitive amid rising petrol prices.

The NADDC has also signaled that subsequent training phases will incorporate electric vehicle maintenance, preparing the workforce for the next stage of the global energy transition.

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Beyond immediate skill acquisition, the Potiskum center is integrated into the National Occupational Standards (NOS) framework, ensuring that graduates receive certifications that are recognized by major automotive manufacturers and insurers.

This formalization is expected to facilitate access to credit for newly trained technicians, enabling them to purchase the high-end diagnostic equipment necessary to run modern service centers.

The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment has highlighted that such micro-level industrialization is key to stabilizing the Naira, as it reduces the demand for foreign-sourced technical services and promotes the domestic value chain.

As the NADDC moves toward the completion of its remaining training facilities across the six geopolitical zones, the focus remains on sustainability and industry partnership.

The Council is reportedly in talks with private sector assemblers to create internship and placement programs for the top-performing graduates of the mechatronics course.

This feedback loop between the classroom and the factory floor is essential for ensuring that the training remains relevant to the evolving needs of the market.

The successful commissioning in Potiskum represents a tangible step toward a technologically advanced and energy-diversified transport sector, providing a blueprint for how technical education can drive national economic resilience.