Cross River Trains 100 Youths For Electric Vehicle Revolution
Cross River Unveils Electric Vehicle Skills Initiative
THE Cross River State Government has announced plans to train 100 youths in electric vehicle (EV) maintenance and manufacturing as part of a broader strategy to prepare the state’s workforce for opportunities emerging within Nigeria’s renewable energy and sustainable transportation sectors.
The programme, scheduled to commence in June under the Local Content VOSEP Initiative, is designed to equip participants with technical competencies required to service and maintain electric and hybrid vehicles, a segment expected to experience significant growth in the coming years.
Preparing Youths for Future Industries
Speaking in Calabar, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Content, Ambassador Awatt Caleb, said the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to creating pathways into emerging industries for young people across the state.
According to him, participants will be drawn from the 18 local government areas of Cross River, with a particular focus on engineering students and youths interested in automotive technology.
Caleb noted that as electric mobility gradually gains traction in Nigeria, there is a growing need for technicians capable of handling sophisticated vehicle systems, especially high-voltage components used in electric and hybrid automobiles.
“One of the major challenges facing the automotive sector in the future is the shortage of trained personnel who can diagnose and repair electric vehicles. This programme is intended to bridge that gap,” he explained.
Addressing a Growing Skills Gap
Industry experts have repeatedly highlighted the shortage of specialised technical skills as one of the major obstacles to large-scale adoption of electric vehicles across Africa.
Unlike conventional vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, electric vehicles require specialised knowledge in battery systems, software diagnostics, electrical architecture, and safety protocols.
The state government believes that investing in local expertise will not only improve employability among youths but also position Cross River as a strategic hub for emerging automotive technologies.
Partnerships to Drive Success
The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with Japanese automotive repair engineers and the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC).
Officials say the partnership will expose participants to international best practices and industry standards while ensuring that training modules align with global developments in electric vehicle technology.
The programme is also expected to benefit from collaboration with Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing and other automotive stakeholders seeking to expand local capacity within Nigeria’s automotive value chain.
Supporting the Green Economy
Beyond skills acquisition, the government views the initiative as part of a long-term strategy to build a workforce capable of supporting the transition toward cleaner energy solutions.
With global momentum shifting toward sustainable transportation, officials believe early investment in human capital will provide Cross River youths with a competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving labour market.
The state government expressed confidence that the programme would contribute to economic diversification, job creation and technological innovation while strengthening local participation in Nigeria’s growing green economy.
