FG to train 2,000 Nigerian youths in electric vehicle skills
The Director General of the Youth in Parliament Forum, Tony Nwulu, has announced that 2,000 Nigerian youths will benefit from free training in electric vehicle maintenance and manufacturing under a new partnership programme with CAWIN Mobility Limited.
The initiative, which was unveiled in Abuja, is part of a wider project focused on empowering young people with technical skills that will prepare Nigeria for the growing adoption of renewable energy and green transportation.
Nwulu described the project as a historic milestone that would position Nigerian youths at the forefront of the global transition to sustainable mobility.
One of the biggest challenges in the coming years will be who services electric vehicles when they develop faults. Through this partnership, we are equipping 2,000 Nigerian youths with the skills to fill that critical gap,” he said at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between YIPF and CAWIN Mobility.
He explained that as electric vehicles gradually make their way into the Nigerian automobile market, it was important to ensure the country was not left behind in terms of technical expertise and manpower.
According to him, the training programme, which commences on the 20th of this month, is designed to prepare young Nigerians to take advantage of fast-emerging opportunities in renewable energy and the green transportation sector.
“This project is open to all Nigerian youths across the country. If you are interested in electric vehicle repairs, simply visit our website, fill out the form, and you will be contacted. The programme is completely free. You are not paying one kobo to be trained,” he explained.
He added that the training would target 1,000 engineering students and another 1,000 mechanics from different parts of the country.
Nwulu said the rise of electric vehicles in Nigeria made it urgent to build local technical capacity for repairs and maintenance.
“Today, if you drive past 20 vehicles, you are likely to see at least one electric vehicle. Like every other car, it will require servicing at some point, and the critical question is: who will fix it when it develops faults?” he asked.
He stressed that the partnership with CAWIN Mobility was not just about selling electric cars but also about ensuring there is manpower to support their use.
“After-sales support and servicing are very important to everyone who buys these vehicles. This programme ensures that the technical skills are available locally so that EVs do not end up abandoned after a few years. With this training, we are preparing Nigerian youths to lead Africa in this innovation,” Nwulu said.
The partnership also introduced the Lawmakers Car Acquisition Scheme, which will give federal lawmakers access to both electric and conventional vehicles at affordable prices, with flexible payment plans and after-sales services included.
Nwulu explained that the scheme was designed to ease the challenges lawmakers face in carrying out their duties while also promoting cleaner and more sustainable transportation options.
“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to youth empowerment, sustainable mobility, and national development. It is a testament to what is possible when innovation meets purpose,” he said.
The YIPF Director General commended CAWIN Mobility for supporting an initiative that combines youth development with green energy advocacy. He also expressed appreciation to stakeholders and members of the media who witnessed the launch.
“With this partnership, we are driving a future where our youths are empowered, our lawmakers are equipped, and our nation is positioned as a leader in the green revolution,” he said.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Youth in Parliament, Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao Akala, said the training would equip young Nigerians with the technical skills needed to prepare for the global shift towards sustainable mobility.
The world is moving into the electric era, and Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind. Through this programme, we are ensuring that when electric vehicles arrive in the Nigerian market, we will already have a prepared workforce and infrastructure to maintain and service them,” he explained.
He pointed out that the collaboration with CAWIN Mobility was not only about introducing electric cars into Nigeria but also about creating a sustainable support system for their use.
“The future is electric, and we must train the next generation to understand and lead in this transition. This training programme specifically targets the EV market, ensuring our youths are not caught unprepared but are ready to drive innovation,” Akala said.
The lawmaker emphasized that the training, which commences this month, would be free for all participants.
“Two thousand youths will benefit from this programme without paying a kobo, and that is a historic opportunity for empowerment,” he noted.
He praised CAWIN Mobility for bringing its expertise to Nigeria and for agreeing to train Nigerian youths. He also commended his colleagues in the National Assembly for showing commitment by attending the event despite being on recess.
“This partnership is meaningful, purposeful, and designed for the future of our country. We are committed to ensuring Nigerian youths get it right,” Akala added.
Managing Director of CAWIN Mobility, Wayne Ji, said the initiative would prepare young Nigerians to play a central role in the country’s transition to green mobility.
“This ceremony is not just symbolic, it is a promise to our youth, our environment, and Nigeria’s economic growth,” he said.
He explained that in China, electric vehicles drove a new wave of industrial revolution and expressed confidence that Nigeria could achieve the same transformation.
Under the partnership, Ji said 1,000 technicians would be trained to immediately serve in garages and service centers, while another 1,000 engineers would undergo advanced training in partnership with Nigerian universities, focusing on EV research, design, and manufacturing.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s youthful population is its greatest resource.
“At CAWIN, we believe investing in young people is investing in the nation’s future. These 2,000 youths will be the backbone of Nigeria’s EV workforce, from the garage to the research lab,” Ji said.
He also highlighted the Lawmakers Car Acquisition Scheme under which Nigerian lawmakers would have access to sustainable vehicles. He said the move would “set an example for citizens and create a ripple effect that boosts confidence in electric mobility.”
Beyond training, Ji explained that CAWIN Mobility would provide a complete EV ecosystem, including charging infrastructure, local assembly, supply chains, and after-sales support.
The programme, he said, is part of a broader vision to create jobs, diversify the economy, and make Nigeria a leader in West Africa’s electric vehicle revolution.
“We are laying the foundation for cleaner cities, safer transportation, and a diversified economy with new industries and jobs,” Ji said.
He urged young Nigerians to seize the opportunity. “To Nigerian youths: seize this opportunity. You are not just beneficiaries, you are the future owners of this industry,” he said.
