NADDC launches National Automotive Design Challenge

The Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Jelani Aliyu, has said the NADDC will continue to guide and give young talented Nigerians the opportunities to develop the country’s automotive sector.

According to Aliyu, the NADDC, apart from giving talented Nigerians the opportunities to showcase their abilities in the automotive sector, will also open up exciting possibilities and opportunities for Nigerian youth to contribute towards the actualization of innovative transportation solutions necessary for a successful Nigerian future.

Speaking in Abuja on Monday during the launch of the Automotive Design Challenge for Nigerian youth between the ages of 18 to 40, the NADDC boss said the initiative was borne out of his desire to make Nigeria the automotive hub on the African continent, using the richness of talents and skills that abounds in the country.

Aliyu said the automotive design challenge will be an annual event, and will open up opportunities for Nigerian youths to showcase their creative abilities and talents.

The entries for the challenge, NowAfricaMedia recalls, opened from October 21 to November 21, 2019, and are in two categories; namely, the design of Nigeria Applicable Intra-City Mini Taxi and Cost-Effective Mini Tractor.

He disclosed that NADDC has structured the National Automotive Industrial Development Plan in full support of local automotive manufacturing, and is continuously and actively working with relevant stakeholders to provide a vehicle financing scheme so Nigerians won’t have to put down 100% cash when buying new cars.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, assured the NADDC of providing necessary legal support and framework for all the council’s initiatives.

Malami said the auto challenge will go a long way towards providing the necessary opportunities and skill that will create jobs and make Nigeria the epicenter of automotive design and development in Africa.

On his part, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, represented by Mr. John E. Aboje, enjoined NADDC to facilitate increased level of local contents in vehicles made in Nigeria, pointing out the council was well on track towards achieving its set goals.

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