The National Automotive Design and Development Council has unveiled the National Occupational Standards tailored for the conversion, calibration, and maintenance of gas-powered and electric vehicles.

The development, which was made known at a public presentation held on Wednesday in Abuja, aims to professionalise technical skills and support Nigeria’s transition to cleaner, alternative energy vehicles.

As of June 2025, the number of CNG-powered vehicles in the country had risen from fewer than 4,000 to over 100,000, with an expected target of one million CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) vehicles to be on the road by the end of 2027.

The Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, who was present at the event, said the development was a testament to the current administration’s commitment to promoting technical and vocational education and training in the country.

“Our history has been characterised by too much talk, too many activities that lead us nowhere.

I mean, we are now getting more practical and now demonstrating that because it is in being practical that we can get the results that we need as a people and as a country.

“You know, so I’m happy to be part of this event, to be part of this public presentation of the National Occupational Standards for CNG vehicles, for electric vehicles, and the only way of guidelines for CNG conversion and retrofitting.

“We are now getting more practical and demonstrating because it is in being practical that we can get the results that we need as a people and as a country,” Enoh stated.

The minister commended the NADDC for its efforts in developing the NOS, saying it would help to promote skill development in the automotive sector.

“By investing in specialised training programs, we are laying a solid foundation for the environment and the sustainable automotive industry. Now drive economic growth, now create jobs, he said. “So through the national professional standards, we couldn’t show that our training is not just specialised, but also standardised. Standardisation is key.

“So we are providing the necessary skills and knowledge to our youth. We are keeping them with the expertise required to compete favorably in the global automotive industry. This will support the promotion of entrepreneurship and encourage innovation in the industry.”

Enoh also emphasised the importance of the newly launched Technical and Vocational Education Programme in driving industrial development and economic growth.

“TVET is integral to the industrial development of any nation, especially a developing one like Nigeria. It is important that it is properly crafted and regulated to ensure that maximum effect is felt within the economy in terms of skills level and available personnel.”

The minister further emphasised the importance of collaboration and partnership in driving the industry forward.  “We need to work together to achieve our goals and objectives,” he said.

“I believe that with the NOS and the information guide on CNG retrofitting, we are taking a significant step towards promoting the growth and development of the automotive industry in Nigeria.”

Similarly, the Director-General of NADDC, Joseph Osanipin, who spoke at the event, said the development of the NOS was part of the council’s efforts to ensure skills upgrade and adherence to standards in the automotive industry.

“The NOS gives a clear statement of what the learner must know or be able to do, whether the learning took place in a classroom or on-the-job,” he said. “We have worked with critical stakeholders in the industry to develop the NOS, which has been approved for training, assessment, and certification by the National Board for Technical Education.”

The DG said the council was playing a leading role in ensuring the adoption and use of Compressed Natural Gas as a better alternative source of energy for mobility. “We will begin to export made-in-Nigeria vehicles and automotive machines in the near future,” he said.

He explained that the NOS gives a clear statement of what the learner must know or be able to do, whether the learning took place in a classroom or on-the-job.

“The areas where these NOSs were developed are as follows: Automotive Mechatronics (light vehicles): 18 NOSs and classified into five levels; Automotive Motorcycles: 20 NOSs and classified into three levels; Automotive Tricycle: 21 NOSs and classified into Three Levels; Agricultural Technology, including Tractors and Heavy Duty Vehicles: 12 NOSs and classified into three levels.”

The DG also unveiled the information guide on CNG retrofitting, which is designed to guide retrofitting centres in the safe, efficient, and compliant installation of CNG systems in vehicles. The guide is expected to help mitigate environmental concerns and promote the adoption of CNG as a cleaner and more economical fuel alternative to petrol and diesel.

“We need to work together to drive the auto industry to its well-deserved place globally,” the NADDC DG said.

The event also featured the inauguration of the newly elected executives of the Sector Skills Council for the automotive industry. The SSC has a mandate to promote skill development in the automotive sector.

The NADDC DG also stated that the council would continue to work with stakeholders to promote the growth and development of the industry.  “We will continue to partner with stakeholders to drive the auto industry forward,” he said.