The Cross River State Government has finalized plans to commence training for 100 youths in electric vehicle (EV) maintenance and manufacturing starting in June. This initiative aims to equip young people with technical skills in the emerging green transportation sector.
Training Details
Ambassador Awatt Caleb, Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Content, disclosed the program during a press briefing in Calabar. The training, under the Local Content VOSEP Initiative, will provide free technical education to youths selected from all 18 local government areas of the state.
Caleb emphasized that the program is part of Governor Bassey Otu's broader vision to empower youths with future-ready skills and prepare Cross River for the increasing adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies.
Addressing the Skills Gap
“One of the biggest challenges in the coming years will be who services electric vehicles when they develop faults. Through this initiative, we are equipping 100 Cross River youths with the skills to fill that critical gap,” Caleb stated.
He noted that as electric vehicles gain acceptance in Nigeria, it is crucial for Cross River to develop the technical expertise and manpower needed to support the industry.
Target Participants and Partnerships
The program, scheduled to start in June, will target engineering students of Cross River origin and other young people interested in automotive technology. Caleb added that partnerships with automotive manufacturers, including Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM), and other stakeholders will help ensure skilled local manpower for EV adoption.
“Today, if you drive past 20 vehicles in the city, you are likely to see at least one electric vehicle. Like every other vehicle, it will require servicing at some point. The critical question is: who will repair it when it develops faults?” he asked.
To meet this need, the Local Content Office is working to upskill youths in the automotive sector, particularly in safe handling of high-voltage systems used in electric and hybrid vehicles.
Collaboration and Standards
The training program will help establish industry standards while creating a pool of qualified technicians. It is being implemented in collaboration with Japanese automotive repair engineers and the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC).
Caleb expressed confidence that the program will enhance youth employability and contribute to the state's long-term economic development by creating a skilled workforce for the emerging green economy.
