Enugu State Gov’t, NADDC set for Strategic Partnership to Boost Automotive Industry

The Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mba on Thursday 4th September 2025, hosted the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, in a strategic meeting aimed at strengthening collaboration in automotive industry development, human capacity building, and adoption of sustainable transportation initiatives in Enugu State.

During the meeting, the Director General expressed appreciation to the Governor for his administration’s bold initiatives, including the recent procurement of 100 CNG-powered buses, investments in technical colleges, and strong support for ANAMMCO and other automotive stakeholders in the state.

Mr. Osanipin emphasized NADDC’s role in regulating the automotive sector, licensing auto companies, and fostering local manufacturing through component production. He commended Innoson Plastic Company’s contributions toward advancing the local auto value chain, particularly in motorcycles, tricycles, and tire production.

Highlighting NADDC’s infrastructure projects, the DG revealed that the Council is developing Automotive Training Centers (ATCs) across Nigeria to enhance technical capacity. He requested land allocation from the Enugu State Government for the establishment of an ATC, noting that the soon-to-be-commissioned automotive test center in Enugu would attract both local and international stakeholders to the state.

“We want to train technicians, optimize component manufacturing, and ensure that Nigeria becomes a hub for automotive innovation. Enugu is key to this vision, and we are grateful for the Governor’s support,” Mr. Osanipin stated.

In response, the Executive Governor warmly welcomed the NADDC delegation, affirming the readiness of the State Government to be a leading hub for automotive development and industrial innovation in Nigeria.

He revealed the plans to build a $30 billion revenue economy anchored on private sector collaboration, human capacity development, and technological advancement. He further announced the commitment to:
• Allocate land immediately for the NADDC Automotive Training Center
• Establish a Research and Development (R&D) center for local automotive components
• Support local manufacturing of tires, tractors, and tablets to reduce dependence on imports
• Partner with NADDC to make Enugu a center for automotive excellence in West Africa

“We have the best rubber in the country. We should be major exporters of tires and automotive components proudly made in Nigeria. With partners like NADDC, we can industrialize Enugu, build local capacity, and create thousands of jobs,” the Governor said.

He further assured that land allocation for the ATC would be immediate, pledging to fast-track ground-breaking activities so the project could commence without delay.

With over 250 smart schools, ongoing procurement of 250,000 Android tablets and plans for assembling 1,000 tractors locally, Enugu State is committed to automotive innovation, industrialization, and inclusive growth for all residents.

This strategic collaboration between NADDC and the Enugu State Government is aimed at catalyzing investments, expanding technical training, and positioning the State as another strategic hub for Nigeria’s automotive future.