Nigeria has unveiled a major step toward reshaping its automotive sector with the launch of a cutting-edge automotive training centre at the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Ikorodu. The initiative, inaugurated by the Federal Government, is designed to strengthen local vehicle production, accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption, and drive technology transfer.
The new centre is part of a wider vision outlined in the National Automotive Policy, which targets 40% local content in vehicle manufacturing and aims for 30% of production to be electric vehicles. It also underscores the government’s push to create over one million jobs in the automotive value chain while reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported auto parts.
A National Initiative
Led by the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), the Ikorodu centre is one of 21 facilities distributed across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to ensure equitable access to advanced skills development. The facilities are expected to stimulate local economies, expand opportunities for artisans and technicians, and reduce unemployment-related challenges.
Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Enoh, said the project reflects the government’s broader strategy to strengthen the automotive industry. “This centre will equip youths, artisans, and technicians with modern skills, including maintenance and handling of electric vehicles. It will also drive technology transfer, foster innovation, and position Nigeria as a competitive player in global automotive manufacturing,” he said.
Training for the Future
The LASUSTECH facility boasts state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and modern service protocols that mirror global best practices. Trainees—including artisans, engineers, and technicians—will gain hands-on experience in advanced automotive technologies, with a particular focus on EV maintenance and diagnostics.
The centre will also foster partnerships with global automakers, enabling Nigerian engineers to access the latest knowledge and tools. This, officials say, is key to embedding technology transfer and aligning local practices with international standards.
Stakeholder Support
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu hailed the automotive industry as the “bedrock of industrial development,” noting that the centre rests on three pillars: providing industry-relevant skills, setting standards to safeguard consumers, and creating sustainable jobs.
NADDC Director-General Oluwemimo Osanipin reinforced the point, explaining that the facility aligns with the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) and would contribute to producing Nigerian-made vehicles that can compete globally.
LASUSTECH Vice-Chancellor Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya described the centre as a strategic asset for the university, highlighting its role in concept design, prototyping, and commercialization. He noted that the project aligns with the university’s IMPACT agenda, which emphasizes innovation and competitiveness.
Driving Industrial Growth
The government’s commitment to infrastructure and training extends beyond Ikorodu. Through initiatives such as the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGi) and support for the NAIDP, Nigeria is seeking to establish itself among Africa’s leaders in electric and alternative fuel vehicles.
By bridging the gap between policy ambition and technical capacity, the LASUSTECH training centre offers a glimpse of how Nigeria could leverage its youthful workforce to participate in the global automotive transition.
The Bigger Picture
With over 60% of Africans employed in agriculture and related industries, diversifying into automotive manufacturing represents an important pivot for Nigeria’s economy. By equipping workers with EV-ready skills, promoting local content, and deepening technology transfer, the country is betting on the automotive industry as a catalyst for industrial growth, job creation, and global competitiveness.
