The federal government through the National Automative Design and Development Council (NADDC) has rolled out plan in 2019 to train 3,200 youths in the mechatronics to boost skill development and promoting local production of automobiles.
These youth, the Director-General of the NADDC, Jelani Aliyu said would be drawn across the country through the N-empower scheme, an initiative of the presidency.
Jelani during an interactive session with the Commerce and Industry Correspondent Association of Nigeria (CICAN) on Tuesday in Abuja said so far the council has trained over 20,000 youth across the country.
The DG said the country spends 80 billion dollars every year in importing 300 to 400 vehicles adding that these brings zero contribution to the economy.
Jelani said to further prevent these, the council is working with the Federal Government to unveil the National Automative Industrialisation Development Plan (NAIDP) to support the industrialization of the Automative sector interms of producing vehicles in the country.
He said there are so much programs and physical incentives that will discourage importation of cars into the country.
“The NAIDP is supporting local production and discouraging importation. We have a number of manufacturers in Nigeria.
“ We are currently in process of building 3 Automotive Industrial parks in 3 states, Kaduna , Osun and Anambra state . All necessary infrastructure will be provided .
“We are working with the Bank of Industry and all necessary stakeholders . Alot of manufacturers are interested in coming to work with us in Nnewi, Amambra state, “ he said.
He also assured that the council currently signed an MoU with Volkswagen and they are convincing them to come back to the country and produce vehicles.
“We hope to have a brand new Passats, Golfs and Volkswagen products on the road soon . We are working to boost the skills for Nigerians and stakeholders ,” he said.
