FG Expands Youth Empowerment Drive with Automotive Skills Centre in Zamfara
The Federal Government has strengthened its commitment to youth empowerment and industrial development with the commissioning of a modern Automotive Training Centre in Gusau, Zamfara State, aimed at equipping young Nigerians with technical skills for emerging opportunities in the automotive industry.
The facility, established through the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) in collaboration with the Zamfara State Government and key private sector partners, is expected to serve as a hub for automotive innovation, technical training, and workforce development.
As part of the initiative, 100 youths received specialized training in mechatronics, focusing on the repair and maintenance of petrol-powered and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) tricycles and motorcycles. The programme is designed to prepare participants for employment and entrepreneurship opportunities within Nigeria’s evolving automotive sector.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, described the automotive industry as a critical driver of industrialisation, economic growth, and job creation. He noted that the Federal Government is actively engaging international investors and automobile manufacturers to establish industrial hubs and boost local vehicle production across the country.
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, said the training centre represents a major investment in human capital development. According to him, empowering young people with practical and industry-relevant skills remains one of the most effective strategies for tackling unemployment, poverty, and insecurity.
The governor explained that advances in mechatronics, electric mobility, alternative fuel technologies, and digital automotive systems are reshaping transportation globally, making technical training increasingly important for the future workforce.
Lawal recalled that shortly after assuming office, his administration sought collaboration with NADDC to provide practical automotive skills for youths in the state. He expressed satisfaction that the partnership had now produced tangible results through the establishment of the centre and the graduation of the first batch of trainees.
He further noted that the project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its focus on youth development, industrialisation, skills acquisition, and the expansion of cleaner energy solutions through the Presidential CNG Initiative.
Industry stakeholders have described the facility as a significant step toward building a skilled workforce capable of supporting Nigeria’s automotive manufacturing ambitions while promoting innovation, self-reliance, and sustainable economic growth.
The Automotive Training Centre is expected to provide ongoing technical services, diagnostics, maintenance support, and vocational training, positioning Zamfara as an emerging hub for automotive skills development in northern Nigeria.
