The Federal Government of Nigeria has established a cutting-edge automotive training centre at the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) in Ikorodu, Lagos. This initiative seeks to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) production, promote technology transfer, and align with the National Automotive Policy‘s ambitious goals.
The policy, which aims to achieve 40% local content in vehicle production and 30% electric vehicle output, represents a step towards revolutionising the automotive industry. This will position the country as a viable competitor in the global automotive market.
The Ikorodu Automotive Training Centre, led by the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), is a historic project. It is one of 21 such facilities set up across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The centre is designed to equip youths, artisans, and technicians with modern automotive skills. These skills focus on the maintenance and handling of electric vehicles, a growing sector globally. It aligns with the government’s broader plan to strengthen the automotive industry and drive economic growth.
Sen. John Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, emphasised the centre’s role in job creation and skill acquisition during the facility’s inauguration on Monday, August 25, 2015.
“This centre is part of our plan to empower youths and artisans,” he explained. It will drive technology transfer, foster innovation, and position Nigeria as a hub for automotive manufacturing.”
The minister emphasised the National Automotive Policy’s objectives, which include reaching 40% local content and 30% EV production. These objectives seek to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported vehicles and components.
Enoh disclosed that the federal government had constructed 21 automotive training centres nationwide to ensure fairness and even distribution of national assets across all geopolitical zones.According to him, the centres are located in Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, Kogi, Plateau, Niger, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kano, Ebonyi, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun, and Lagos.
Ikorodu Automotive Training Centre to empower youth and drive innovation
The training facility will act as a catalyst for innovation and economic development. It will offer hands-on training in advanced automotive technologies. Trainees will learn how to use cutting-edge diagnostic tools and service protocols that adhere to global best practices. This ensures that Nigeria’s workforce is prepared to meet the needs of modern automotive workshops.
The centre also supports the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP), which aims to increase local content in vehicle assembly.
Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu praised the initiative. He called the automotive industry the “bedrock of industrial development”.
Sanwo-Olu stated that the centre would prepare trainees to meet industry demands.
“This facility will set standards, protect the public, and create job opportunities,” he stressed. The governor emphasised the centre’s alignment with global trends, particularly the transition to electric vehicles. Nigeria seeks to maintain its competitiveness as the world shifts towards sustainable transportation.
The Ikorodu centre is part of a larger network of 21 automotive training facilities in Nigeria. These centres ensure that everyone has equal access to skill development opportunities across the country.
NADDC Director-General Oluwemimo Osanipin emphasised the council’s support for the NAIDP.
“This facility will provide practical training for artisans, engineers, and technicians. It will enhance local content and support the production of Nigerian-made vehicles that meet international standards.”
Osanipin added that the NADDC’s goal is to establish an ecosystem for automotive innovation. The council intends to establish additional centres to expand opportunities. This move is expected to boost economic activity and lower unemployment.
With Nigeria’s youth population expected to grow, such initiatives are critical in addressing social issues such as unemployment. The centre is a step towards the government’s goal of creating one million jobs in the automotive industry.
The global auto industry is undergoing a transformation. Electric vehicles are at the forefront of this transition. Nigeria’s emphasis on EV production demonstrates its commitment to sustainability and innovation.
The centre will play an important role in this transition. It will prepare technicians to handle EV-specific technologies like battery management and electric drivetrains. This expertise is critical for Nigeria to meet its 30% EV production target.
Another major focus is on technology transfer. The centre will facilitate collaboration with global automakers. These collaborations will bring advanced technology to Nigeria.
Local engineers and technicians will have access to advanced tools and knowledge. This will reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported auto parts. It will also improve the country’s ability to produce vehicles domestically.
Lagos State University of Science and Technology is a key partner in this initiative. LASUSTECH’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya, expressed pride in hosting the centre.
“This facility aligns with our IMPACT agenda. It will foster competitiveness and innovation in concept design, prototyping, and commercialisation.”
The university’s involvement ensures that the centre combines academic research and practical training. This collaboration will drive progress in Nigeria’s automotive industry.
The centre is expected to have a far-reaching impact. It will provide jobs for thousands of young people and artisans. Its goal is to reduce unemployment and poverty by providing them with globally competitive skills. It will also boost economic activity in Ikorodu and the surrounding areas. Local businesses, such as spare parts dealers and service providers, are expected to benefit from the influx of skilled workers.
The initiative also helps Nigeria achieve its overall economic goals. The country aims to diversify its economy away from reliance on oil. The automotive industry, with its promise for job creation and innovation, is a critical component of this strategy. The government’s investment in training and technology transfer lays the groundwork for long-term growth.