FG okays N1.8bn for automotive equipment, installation in six zones

A total of N1.8 billion has been approved by the Federal Government for procurement and installation of automotive mechatronics equipment in the six geo-political zones of the country.

Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, said this at a press briefing in Abuja, adding that the N1.8 billion had received the endorsement of the Federal Executive Council.

He said the funds would be spent on the procurement and installation of automotive, mechatronics equipment in special centres across the six geo-political zones of the country.

The minister said this would cover three pilot workshops and automotive service hubs initiated by the NADDC.

According to him, the project, which is connected to the kind of vehicles being manufactured currently globally, would “need training institutes that will train our mechanics and our youths how to maintain and service these vehicles.”

Director General, National Automotive Design and Development Council, Jelani Aliyu, said that the seven automotive training centres would impact skills and create more jobs in line with the government directive of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty.

Jelani said the three automotive hubs being constructed in Sokoto, Ondo and Imo states would be equipped with all the necessary equipment and highly professional staff that would be able to diagnose any vehicles, maintain or repair them.