The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to expedite the completion and take-off of key automotive development projects in Sokoto State, warning that prolonged delays are defeating the purpose of youth empowerment and wasting public funds.
The resolution followed a motion presented on Wednesday by Sokoto lawmaker Abdussamad Dasuki, who raised concerns over the stalled execution of projects under the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC).
The NADDC, established by Act No. 83 of 2014 under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, is tasked with advancing Nigeria’s automotive sector through the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP).
The policy aims to reduce reliance on imported vehicles, strengthen local manufacturing, and enhance technical skills through training and industrial development.
As part of this framework, the council has been rolling out automotive service hubs and training centres nationwide to support vehicle diagnostics, maintenance, component testing, and workforce development.
These initiatives are also intended to address unemployment by equipping young Nigerians, particularly in the northern region, with vocational and entrepreneurial skills in the automotive value chain.
While presenting the motion, Dasuki explained that two major facilities were established in Sokoto State under the programme, located in Dogondaji and Bodinga.
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He expressed concern that the Bodinga Automotive Service Hub, which was completed and officially handed over to the Federal Government in March 2023 at a cost of over one billion naira, has remained unused since then.
The lawmaker also lamented the abandonment of the Dogondaji Automotive Youth Training Centre, which was designed to provide practical technical training for young people.
According to him, “the continued neglect of the projects undermines the objectives of the national automotive policy, denies citizens economic opportunities, and risks the deterioration of critical infrastructure.”
After deliberation, the House adopted the motion and called on the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment alongside the NADDC to ensure the immediate completion of the Dogondaji training centre and proper utilisation of the facilities.
Lawmakers further urged that the Bodinga Automotive Service Hub be put into immediate operation so that youths, artisans, and automotive professionals in Sokoto State can benefit from the project.
The House also directed its Committee on Commerce to inspect both sites, investigate the causes of the delay and abandonment, and submit a report within four weeks for further legislative consideration.