The Federal Government has unveiled an automotive training centre at the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Ikorodu, to boost local vehicle production and accelerate Nigeria’s move into electric mobility.

The initiative, launched by the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Enoh, is part of the National Automotive Policy, which targets 40% local content in vehicle manufacturing and 30% electric vehicle production.

Enoh said the centre will provide young people, artisans, and technicians with hands-on training in modern automotive technology, including the maintenance of electric vehicles. He added that the programme will also promote technology transfer, encourage innovation, and strengthen Nigeria’s global competitiveness in the auto industry.

The Ikorodu facility is one of 21 training centres planned across the country to ensure equal access to technical skills development. The government noted that the initiative is expected to generate jobs, stimulate industrial growth, and address unemployment-related challenges.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the project as critical to industrial growth, noting that trainees would have access to advanced diagnostic tools similar to those used in global auto workshops.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Oluwemimo Osanipin, said the training centre supports the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) and would help increase local content in Nigeria’s vehicle assembly sector.

LASUSTECH Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya, expressed pride in hosting the facility, adding that it aligns with the university’s agenda to drive innovation, design, prototyping, and commercialization in the automotive space.

The Federal Government believes the project will help Nigeria cut reliance on imports, promote cleaner mobility, and position the country as a strong player in Africa’s automotive future.