NADDC, Simba Group train tricycle, motorbike technicians in mechatronics

15,000 benefit so far

By Moses Akaigwe

The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), on Friday, concluded a five-day Specialised Mechatronics Training Programme for Auto Technicians in Ekiti State.

Organised by the council in collaboration with Simba Group Nigeria, a Lagos-based mobility and power solutions organisation, the training was held from Monday, July 7, to Friday, July 11, 2025, at the NADDC Automotive Training Centre, in Ado-Ekiti.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the director-general of NADDC, Mr. Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, underscored the importance of the programme, and expressed his delight at its successful completion.

Osanipin  stated that the training was designed to equip auto technicians, particularly those servicing motorcycles and tricycles, with advanced skills in the repair and maintenance of modern three-wheelers powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) and petrol.

He noted that with technological advancements, these vehicles are now more electronic than mechanical, necessitating continuous upskilling of technicians.

The DG further revealed that similar specialized mechatronics training programmes would soon be held in other states, including Kano, Osun, Borno, Adamawa, Imo, Niger and Ebonyi, as part of NADDC’s commitment to bridging the skill gap and create job opportunities within Nigeria’s automotive industry.

“This initiative is part of our continuous effort to upskill technicians, create jobs for our youth and ensure job retention and wealth creation in the auto sector,” he said.

“We want you to see this as an opportunity to expand your businesses and contribute meaningfully to the economy. I am particularly pleased to see women participating in this training.” he said.

Osanipin expressed profound gratitude to Simba Group Nigeria for their unwavering support, expertise and commitment throughout the programme, describing their partnership as invaluable.

The DG also expressed the council’s gratitude to Gov. Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji of Ekiti State, for his support and collaboration in delivering the training.

The NADDC helmsman congratulated the trainees on their commitment and eagerness  to learn, stating that their new skills would elevate their careers and contribute significantly to the Nigerian automotive sector, especially in the area of CNG tricycle repair and maintenance.

He emphasized that inadequate maintenance, often due to a lack of modern skills, has been a major cause of vehicle breakdowns and accidents, which the Council seeks to address through continuous training.

In his remarks, governor of Ekiti State, who was represented by the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Otunba Kayode Fasae, commended NADDC for its consistent support in upskilling Ekiti youths, noting that the programme was the second training conducted in the state—the first being the conversion of prtrol-powered vehicles to CNG.

The governor urged the trainees not to sell their tools, but to use them to expand their businesses. He further announced plans to extend future training opportunities to women and people with disabilities, in line with the government’s commitment to inclusive job creation.

Also speaking, Mr. Sumit Panda of Simba Group Nigeria, reiterated the company’s dedication to supporting Nigeria’s automotive sector through continuous technical training.

Panda further remarked, “This collaboration is not just about technical training, but about upgrading your skills as technology evolves. Whenever we introduce new technologies, we will return to ensure you are updated.”

To date, NADDC, in collaboration with its partners, has trained over 15,000 technicians through the Simba Group Nigeria’s on repair and maintenance of tricycles and motorcycles mechatronics programme.

The Council has also established 24 Automotive Training Centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, 16 of which are fully equipped, in line with the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) to strengthen skill development and support industrial growth.