The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CIG Motors Company Limited to provide technical training in automobile repairs and maintenance for beneficiaries of its flagship Skill-to-Wealth programme.
The agreement, signed in Abuja, marks a significant step in the government’s drive to tackle unemployment by equipping Nigerian youths with practical, in-demand skills in the automotive industry. The Skill-to-Wealth initiative is one of the core programmes of the Tinubu-led administration aimed at reducing poverty by transforming technical skills into viable economic opportunities.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Betta Edu, emphasized the government’s commitment to sustainable youth empowerment through strategic partnerships with reputable private sector players.
“This partnership with CIG Motors is a deliberate step to bridge the gap between skills acquisition and real industry demands. We are confident that this initiative will provide our youths with hands-on training in modern automobile technologies, opening pathways for self-reliance and job creation,” she stated.
CIG Motors, the sole distributor of GAC Motors in Nigeria, brings a wealth of experience and technical expertise to the collaboration. The company has previously launched successful youth development programmes, including the CIG Knight Programme, which recruited and trained over 100 first-class graduates across various fields, integrating them into its operations and value chain.
Managing Director of CIG Motors, Diana Chen, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to empowering Nigerian youths through innovation-driven training. “Our goal is not just to train young people but to give them the tools and confidence they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving automotive ecosystem. This partnership aligns with our belief in fostering long-term, impactful development,” she said.
The training programme will expose participants to both theoretical and hands-on instruction in vehicle diagnostics, repairs, routine maintenance, and emerging electric vehicle technologies. The inclusion of electric vehicle modules comes at a time when Nigeria is beginning to embrace cleaner and more sustainable transportation alternatives, following CIG Motors’ recent partnership with the Lagos State Government to roll out electric buses in the state.
Under the Skill-to-Wealth scheme, thousands of Nigerian youths are expected to benefit from this training, which will be conducted in phases across selected technical centres nationwide. Beneficiaries will also receive starter packs and post-training support to help them establish their businesses or secure gainful employment.
The Federal Government has reiterated its resolve to leverage private sector expertise to drive national development and economic inclusion. This collaboration with CIG Motors signals a renewed commitment to technical education, industrial growth, and the overall empowerment of Nigeria’s youthful population.
With this MoU, Nigeria moves one step closer to developing a technically proficient workforce, prepared to drive innovation and economic transformation in the years ahead.
