This development follows months of collaboration between the state and federal agencies. Governor Dauda Lawal first initiated talks with NADDC in mid-2023, emphasizing the need for technical empowerment in Zamfara. The project gained momentum during a recent meeting in Abuja, where the NADDC Director-General, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, reaffirmed support during discussions with Zamfara’s Made in Nigeria Project team, led by Coordinator Ibrahim Bello Marafa.
Once operational, the center will train over 100 youths and technicians annually, covering areas like motorcycle and tricycle repairs, heavy-duty vehicle maintenance, and CNG technology. The initiative dovetails with Governor Lawal’s broader vision to modernize transport and create jobs. Notably, the state is also procuring 100 electric vehicles (EVs) to boost intra-state mobility, signaling a dual focus on skill development and sustainable infrastructure.
In a related push for innovation, Zamfara officials presented the "Made in Zamfara" electric handcycle—a locally designed mobility solution for persons with disabilities—to NADDC, seeking federal backing to scale production. The training center and EV rollout aim to position Zamfara as a hub for automotive innovation while addressing unemployment and transport challenges.
