JCN
The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has begun moves to establish a specialized awarding body to certify skills in Nigeria’s Automotive industry.
The step was taken on April 13, 2026, during a strategic meeting at NADDC headquarters in Abuja with the Sector Skills Council (SSC) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). The meeting focused on creating a competency-based certification system tailored to the automotive sector.
Engr. Best Nnodim, President of the Auto SSC, and Engr. S.M. Yusuf, Director of Vocational Training and Skills Development at NBTE, presented a policy document on the proposed body to NADDC Director-General/CEO, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin.
According to Engr. Nnodim, Nigeria’s automotive sector needs a dedicated certification structure that aligns with global best practices as the industry shifts toward green energy and electric vehicles. The proposed body will accredit training providers, approve training centres, monitor standards, and oversee certification processes.
The plan outlines a three-tier framework. The SSC will develop occupational standards. The new awarding body will design qualifications and curriculum. Accredited centres will deliver training and conduct internal assessments.
Otunba Osanipin welcomed the initiative and restated NADDC’s commitment to strengthening automotive skills development. He expressed confidence that the process could be completed within six months.
The initiative is expected to boost technical manpower, standardize training, and support a more competitive and sustainable automotive industry in Nigeria.
