The Federal Government has approved N1.8billion for the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) to procure and install automotive mechatronics equipment in Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.

Minister of Industry Trade and Investment Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo disclosed this while briefing the press in Abuja. He said the N1.8billion was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

The money is for the procurement and installation of automotive, mechatronics equipment in special centres across the six geo-political zones of the country.

The fund would cover three pilot workshops and automotive service hubs initiated by the NADDC.

According to the minister, the project is in sync with the model of vehicles being manufactured round the world today, thus “we need training institutes that will train our mechanics and our youths how to maintain and service these vehicles.”

The Director General, NADDC, Jelani Aliyu assured that the seven Automotive Training Centres would impact skills and create more jobs in line with government’s push to lift 100million 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 to diagnose any vehicles, maintain or repair it.