The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has spearheaded a significant initiative to bolster Nigeria’s automotive sector by unveiling National Occupational Standards (NOS) for converting, calibrating, and maintaining gas-powered and electric vehicles. This move signifies a crucial step towards professionalizing technical skills within the industry and aligns with the nation’s broader objective of transitioning to cleaner, alternative energy vehicles. The presentation of these standards underscores a practical approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the evolving automotive landscape, moving beyond theoretical discussions and embracing tangible actions to achieve concrete results. The timing of this development is particularly relevant considering the rapid growth of CNG-powered vehicles in Nigeria, with numbers surging from under 4,000 to over 100,000 by June 2025, and projections aiming for one million CNG vehicles on the road by 2027.
The unveiling of the NOS was met with strong endorsement from government officials, including the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, who lauded the initiative as a concrete manifestation of the administration’s commitment to advancing technical and vocational education and training (TVET). He emphasized the importance of practical action over rhetoric, highlighting the NOS as a crucial instrument for driving tangible results. The Minister commended the NADDC for its proactive role in developing these standards, recognizing their potential to foster skill development within the automotive sector. He underscored the link between specialized training programs, standardized NOS, and the creation of a sustainable automotive industry capable of driving economic growth and generating employment opportunities. By equipping Nigerian youth with the requisite skills and knowledge, the NOS aims to enhance their competitiveness in the global automotive market, further promoting entrepreneurship and innovation within the sector.
The significance of TVET in driving industrial development and economic progress was also emphasized by the Minister, particularly for developing nations like Nigeria. He stressed the need for a well-structured and regulated TVET program to maximize its impact on the economy by enhancing skill levels and ensuring a readily available pool of qualified personnel. Furthermore, the Minister underscored the critical role of collaboration and partnerships in propelling the industry forward, recognizing the collective effort required to achieve common goals. He expressed optimism that the NOS and the information guide on CNG retrofitting would serve as significant catalysts for the growth and development of Nigeria’s automotive industry.
The Director-General of NADDC, Joseph Osanipin, provided further insights into the development and implications of the NOS. He explained that the NOS were designed to provide a clear framework of the knowledge and skills required for individuals working in the automotive sector, regardless of whether their training was acquired through formal classroom instruction or on-the-job experience. This clarity in expectations ensures a standardized approach to training, assessment, and certification, facilitated by the National Board for Technical Education’s approval of the NOS. Osanipin highlighted the NADDC’s proactive role in promoting the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a cleaner and more economical fuel alternative, aligning with the global shift towards sustainable energy sources. He expressed confidence that the development of local expertise and adherence to international standards would enable Nigeria to export made-in-Nigeria vehicles and automotive machines in the near future.
The NOS covers a comprehensive range of areas within the automotive sector, including Automotive Mechatronics (light vehicles), Automotive Motorcycles, Automotive Tricycles, and Agricultural Technology, encompassing tractors and heavy-duty vehicles. These standards are categorized into different levels, reflecting the varying complexities of skills and knowledge required for each area. In addition to the NOS, the NADDC also unveiled an information guide on CNG retrofitting, providing practical guidance on the safe, efficient, and compliant installation of CNG systems in vehicles. This guide aims to address environmental concerns and encourage the wider adoption of CNG as a viable alternative to traditional petrol and diesel fuels. The combination of the NOS and the CNG retrofitting guide represents a multifaceted approach to enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of Nigeria’s automotive sector.
The unveiling of the NOS was accompanied by the inauguration of the newly elected executives of the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for the automotive industry, further solidifying the commitment to skill development within the sector. The SSC’s mandate to promote skill development will play a crucial role in implementing and upholding the NOS, ensuring their effectiveness in elevating the standards of the automotive workforce. The NADDC reiterated its commitment to ongoing collaboration with stakeholders to drive the continued growth and development of the automotive industry, fostering a collaborative environment to achieve shared goals. This commitment to partnership ensures a broad-based approach to tackling the challenges and capitalizing on the opportunities within the sector, positioning Nigeria’s automotive industry for sustainable growth and global competitiveness.
