By: Our Reporter, Calabàr
The Cross River State Government has announced plans to train 100 youths in electric vehicle maintenance, repairs, and manufacturing as part of efforts to position the state for emerging opportunities in renewable energy and green transportation.
The Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Local Content, Ambassador Awatt Caleb, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Calabar.
According to him, the beneficiaries, who will be drawn from the 18 local government areas of the state, will undergo the training free of charge under the “Local Content VOSEP Initiative.”
Awatt explained that the programme forms part of the state government’s broader strategy to equip young people with technical and vocational skills required to meet the growing demand in the electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors.
He said the initiative was designed to prepare Cross River youths for the inevitable transition to cleaner and more sustainable transportation systems
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“One of the biggest challenges in the coming years will be identifying skilled technicians capable of servicing electric vehicles when they develop faults. Through this programme, we are preparing our youths to fill that critical gap,” he said.
The Special Adviser noted that the increasing presence of electric vehicles in Nigeria’s automobile market makes it imperative for the state to develop local technical expertise and manpower.
He revealed that the programme is scheduled to commence in June and will primarily target engineering students and technically inclined youths of Cross River origin.
Awatt further disclosed that the state government is partnering with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, and Japanese auto repair engineers to deliver the training.
According to him, participants will be trained in the safe handling of high-voltage systems used in electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as vehicle diagnostics, maintenance, and manufacturing processes.
“Today, if you observe vehicles within the city, you are likely to find electric vehicles among them. Like every other automobile, they will require servicing at some point, and the critical question is: who will repair them when faults occur?” he said.
He added that the programme would help establish industry standards while creating a pool of skilled technicians capable of supporting the adoption of electric vehicles and electric tricycles, popularly known as Keke Napep, in the state.
Awatt said the initiative aligns with the “People First” agenda of Governor Bassey Otu’s administration and reflects the government’s commitment to youth empowerment, innovation, and sustainable economic development.
He expressed confidence that the training would open up employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people in the fast-growing green economy sector.
