Worried by the huge bill on importation of vehicle spare parts, the National Automotive Design and Development Council, NADDC, is working to promote local production.
NADDC’s Director-General, Joseph Osanipin, at a training session for engineers at the Midas NFX Software Automotive Design Skills Boot Camp, in Abuja, emphasized the critical nature of this expenditure, in excess of a billion dollars annually.
“Nigeria spends over one billion dollars each year on imported spare parts. This massive expenditure underscores the urgent need for local production capabilities and advanced design training to reduce our dependency on foreign imports and stimulate economic growth.”
He pointed out that the boot camp focuses on training local engineers and designers in the use of Midas NFX software, which is aimed at equipping them with the necessary skills to create high-quality vehicle components.
Midas NFX is described as a sophisticated software tool that allows users to scan existing vehicle parts, design new components tailored to specific requirements, and select optimal materials, whether they be plastic or steel, for production.
Osanipin explained that utilizing such advanced software is a crucial step towards modernizing Nigeria’s automotive manufacturing processes, enabling the country to enhance its capabilities and competitiveness in the industry.
The boot camp is designed not only for the staff of the NADDC but also extends its reach to private entities that may lack the resources to access such specialized training opportunities. With an ambitious goal of training 100 individuals over the next year, the initiative aims to empower local assemblers and manufacturers with essential knowledge, bridging the gap between theoretical concepts and practical application.
“The only way we can bridge the gap is through knowledge. And through this program, we hope to foster innovation within the industry,” Osanipin stated.
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He further noted that while Nigeria has made significant progress in producing lubricants, there remains vast potential in manufacturing other critical vehicle components, including batteries, brake pads, and filters.
He emphasized that the automotive aftermarket represents a significant economic opportunity, suggesting that harnessing local talent to design and manufacture these parts could stimulate job creation and enhance the country’s self-sufficiency in the automotive sector.
During the session, Osanipin announced that 24 participants will be trained in this initial batch, with plans already in motion to expand the training initiative in the future.
He added, “by focusing on advanced technologies and adhering to production specifications, Nigeria aims to position itself competitively in the global market.”
Dr. Abdullawal Zubair, the Managing Director of FAZSAL Nigeria Limited, commended the NADDC for providing participants with an invaluable opportunity to engage in this software training.
“The DG has equipped this department with enough tools. You have a 3D scanner and a 3D printer, so you can print or produce anything, as the 3D scanner you have is the best in the world.
“I therefore urge the participants to judiciously utilize this opportunity to improve their skills for personal growth and the overall development of the industry,” he said.
Director, Research, Design and Development at NADDC, Dr. Fidelis Achiv reiterated the significance of value addition, even as the country engages in vehicle assembly. While commending the director-general for facilitating the training, he urged participants to fully utilize their training and to train other Nigerians to ensure sustained growth and development within the automotive industry.
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