The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), in collaboration with Simba Group Nigeria, successfully concluded a five-day specialized mechatronics training program on the repair and maintenance of tricycles and motorcycles powered by both petrol (PMS) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
The closing ceremony took place at Auto 360 Workshop, Makurdi, Benue State.
The training, which commenced on September 8, 2025, provided advanced theoretical and practical knowledge to over 70 auto-technicians and youths in Benue State. Participants were equipped with skills to service, troubleshoot, and maintain modern tricycles and motorcycles, which are increasingly defined by electronic systems and dual-fuel technology.
Speaking at the ceremony, NADDC Director-General/CEO, Mr. Olu Osanipin Joseph, ably represented by the Director, Industrial Infrastructure Department (IID), Dr. Nua Omisanya, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to continuous skill development in the automotive sector. He expressed appreciation to Simba Group Nigeria for its technical expertise and partnership, the Benue State Government for its support, and the Benue State Investment Promotion Agency (BENIPA) for its collaboration. Special recognition was also given to Rt. Hon. David Agada Ogewu and Rt. Hon. Terseer Ugbor for their leadership and contribution to the program’s success.
Mr. Osanipin congratulated the graduates, urging them to leverage their new skills to advance their careers, contribute to economic growth, and support Nigeria’s transition toward sustainable automotive technologies.
He also acknowledged the Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), the Automotive and Locomotive Engineers Institute (AutoEi), the Benue Tricycle Mechanics Association (BTMA), and the Motorcycle Mechanics Association of Benue State (MMAMBENS) for their strong participation.
The Governor of Benue State, Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia represented by the Deputy Governor, Bar. Samuel Ode, reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to equipping youths with relevant technical skills and supporting Nigeria’s transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources.
The Deputy Governor assured participants that the State Government will not stop at celebrating their graduation but will support them to become trainers themselves, creating a multiplier effect that will enable more youths across Benue to acquire similar skills.
“The number of technicians we have trained today is not enough to service the economy of Benue State. Therefore, we will engage and empower these graduates to train others, ensuring that more of our youths benefit from this knowledge,” he said.
This, he emphasized, will not only strengthen the local economy but also position Benue State as an active contributor to Nigeria’s broader industrial and environmental development goals.
Also speaking at the event, the Regional Manager of Simba Group, Mr. Sameer Upadhyay, emphasized that the initiative is not just about imparting technical knowledge but about creating opportunities, building capacity, and strengthening the foundation of transportation and mobility in Benue State and across Nigeria.
The company further encouraged participants to view the training as a long-term investment in their futures, urging them to become ambassadors of innovation and excellence within their communities.
This collaborative effort between NADDC, Simba Group, and the Benue State Government underscores a sharede vision: to empower Nigerian youth with relevant technical skills, drive economic growth, and accelerate the nation’s transition toward cleaner, more sustainable energy in the automotive sector.
