By Moses Akaigwe
The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has taken a step towards promoting international best practices in the Nigerian automotive ecosystem by organising a Stakeholders Sensitization and Advocacy Workshop on the End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) and other Auto Wastes Recycling Regulation.
The workshop, held on Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Abuja, brought together key stakeholders from the automotive value chain, including policymakers, industry operators, environmental experts and regulatory agencies.
The primary objective was to create awareness, build capacity, and foster collective action towards effective implementation of the ELV and Auto Wastes Recycling Regulation.
Speaking at the event, the NADDC Director-General, Mr. Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, emphasized the need for collective action to ensure full implementation of the policy.
“We all have a role to play in making this regulation a success. The Police, Road Safety, Vehicle Inspection Officers, the press and individual motorists or vehicle owners must work together,” he said.
Osanipin was optimistic that the full implementation of the End-of-Life Vehicle and other Auto Wastes Recycling Regulation would create about 40,000 jobs.
To ensure seamless implementation of the policy, the DG said a dedicated steering committee, comprising stakeholders with expertise, would be established to drive the execution strategy.
He stressed that the implementation strategy would focus on the effective management and recycling of automotive waste, promoting environmental sustainability, creating job opportunities and generating revenue through circular economic practices.
Osanipin expressed gratitude to the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owam Eno, and Honourable Terseer Ugbor, Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Environment,for their support and visionary leadership in bringing this regulation to fruition.
The Director-General also thanked the stakeholders for their tremendous contributions and continued cooperation.
Honorable Terseer Ugbor reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to promoting environmental sustainability, saying, “We are committed to promoting every policy and regulation related to environmental sustainability, climate change, and resource recovery in Nigeria.” He reiterated.
At the stakeholders forum, the NADDC DG reiterated the Council’s commitment to aligning Nigeria’s automotive industry with global environmental standards, driving innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.
In another development, the National Automotive Design and Development Council and the Edo State Government, on Friday, concluded a comprehensive training programme on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicle conversion for 50 female technicians..
This initiative aims to promote inclusive participation in Nigeria’s automotive and clean energy sectors, equipping women with skills in CNG conversion technology.
The training was organised by the NADDC in collaboration with the Edo State Government, Lady Mechanic Initiative (LMI) and key federal stakeholders.
The event brought together dignitaries from federal ministries, state government representatives, and industry stakeholders to celebrate the the technical empowerment programme, designed to upskill women and advance clean energy solutions in line with Nigeria’s energy transition goals.
In his welcome remarks, the Director-General of NADDC, reaffirmed the agency’s unwavering commitment to equipping women with the skills needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving automotive sector.
Osanipin also expressed gratitude to Senator John Owan Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, who was ably represented by his Senior Special Adviser on Strategic Communications, Mrs. Ifeoma Williams, for his continued support and leadership.
In his keynote address, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Executive Governor of Edo State, praised the initiative and reiterated his administration’s dedication to skills development, industrial growth, and energy sustainability.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim, described the moment as historic in reshaping perceptions about women in Nigeria’s energy and industrial sectors.
She stated, “This moment is more than a graduation; it’s a declaration of what’s possible when progressive policies meet courageous women. These 50 women are not just mechanics; they’re trailblazers and proof that the Renewed Hope Agenda is delivering real results.
Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Edo State, also delivered special remarks, reinforcing the state’s commitment to women-focused empowerment programmes.
One of the high points of the ceremony was the presentation of empowerment tools and training certificates to the 50 newly trained female technicians.