The federal government says it is intensifying policy reforms to attract global investment into the nation’s automotive sector.
The Minister of State for Industry, John Owan Enoh, stated this on Thursday in Gusau, Zamfara, while inaugurating 100 youths trained in mechatronics and commissioning the Automotive Training Centre.
The 100 youth were trained by the National Automotive Design and Development Council to repair petrol and CNG-powered tricycles and motorcycles in Zamfara.
According to NAN, the training centre and youth programme were coordinated through a collaboration between NADDC and the Zamfara office of the Made in Nigeria Special Project.
The minister said the federal government had intensified engagements with international investors and leading automotive manufacturers to establish automotive industrial hubs and expand local production capacity across Nigeria.
He added that the federal government had established ATCs in all six geopolitical zones to provide access to training and technical services.
In his remarks, Governor Dauda Lawal said advances in mechatronics, electric mobility, alternative fuel technologies, smart diagnostics, and digital systems were redefining global transportation systems.
According to him, as a government, they recognise that the future belongs to societies that invest in knowledge, innovation, and human capital development.
“It is therefore imperative that our youths acquire industry-relevant competencies to compete favourably in the rapidly evolving global economy. Within a month of assuming office in 2023, I visited NADDC in Abuja to seek collaboration on equipping youths with practical automotive skills.
“I believe empowering youths with employable skills is vital to tackling poverty, unemployment, and insecurity. I’m pleased this vision has materialised.
“Today marks a milestone in our commitment to youth empowerment, skills, technology, and economic growth in Zamfara State, opening doors to opportunities, innovation, self-reliance, and prosperity for our young people,” Mr Lawal said.
The governor noted that establishing the centre in Zamfara aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on youth development, industrialisation, and cleaner energy through the Presidential CNG Initiative.
Lawal congratulated the beneficiaries on the successful completion of their training and urged them to utilise the skills to drive Zamfara’s economy toward prosperity.