KATSINA — Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has expressed his administration’s readiness to support the Automobile Dealers and Mechanics Association of Nigeria (AMDON) in establishing a dedicated motor village in the state.
Radda made the commitment on Thursday when the leadership of AMDON, Katsina State chapter, visited the Government House to present the association’s activities, challenges and proposals for the development of the automobile sector.
The governor described the proposed motor village as a strategic initiative capable of transforming the state’s automobile industry, attracting investment, creating employment and strengthening the local economy.
He directed the association to formally submit its proposal, assuring its leadership that the document would be forwarded to the Ministry of Lands for the identification of a suitable location for the project.
Radda said the automobile sector supports a broad network of businesses and workers, extending beyond vehicle sales to customs clearing, transportation, repairs, painting, car washing, spare parts trading and other related services.
«“The automobile sector contributes significantly to our economy. From vehicle importation and customs clearing to transportation, repairs, painting, car washing, spare parts trading, and other related businesses, countless people earn their livelihoods from this value chain,” the governor said.»
He emphasised the importance of creating economic opportunities for young people, noting that reducing youth unemployment remains critical to addressing crime and other social challenges.
According to him, providing sustainable employment opportunities for young people would help reduce social vices, including crime and vehicle parts theft.
«“Nothing hurts society more than youth unemployment. When we create opportunities for our youths, we reduce crime, vehicle parts theft, and other social vices,” Radda stated.»
The governor further explained that a properly planned motor village could attract major automobile companies, particularly dealers of electric and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles, to establish showrooms and expand their operations in Katsina.
He said the proposed facility would provide companies with an organised platform to display and market their vehicles while gaining access to consumers across the state.
«“If you have this park, companies can come and establish showrooms for the vehicles they bring and gain access to the market. It is a very good initiative,” he added.»
Radda also assured AMDON that its request for stronger partnerships with international automobile companies would receive government attention as part of efforts to support local automobile dealers, attract investment and expand economic opportunities within the state.
He reaffirmed his administration’s willingness to consider practical proposals from organised groups that could improve livelihoods, strengthen businesses and contribute to the state’s economic development.
The governor also highlighted ongoing efforts by his administration to modernise transportation across Katsina State through improved intra-city transport systems and the construction of bus terminals aimed at making movement easier and more efficient for residents.
AMDON Seeks Land for Motor Village
Earlier, the Chairman of AMDON, Katsina State chapter, Muazu Rimi, said the association operates across all 34 local government areas of the state and maintains connections with international automobile markets where vehicles are sourced and imported.
Rimi explained that the automobile industry sustains thousands of people directly and indirectly through various activities, including customs clearing, transportation, vehicle repairs, spare parts trading, food vending, car washing and other support services.
He noted that every vehicle brought into the country creates economic opportunities for several categories of workers along the value chain.
«“Every vehicle that enters the country creates opportunities for different categories of people, from clearing agents and transporters to retailers, mechanics, and other service providers,” he said.»
The AMDON chairman commended Governor Radda for what he described as his administration’s development initiatives, particularly programmes targeting vulnerable citizens, infrastructure development, local government reforms and improved governance.
Rimi appealed to the governor to allocate land for the establishment of a dedicated motor village in Katsina, saying the project would provide a secure and organised environment for automobile businesses while helping to protect investments and improve government revenue through taxes and levies.
He said the proposed motor village would also create employment opportunities for thousands of youths and provide space for different businesses operating within the automobile value chain.
According to him, the facility would accommodate vehicle dealers, mechanics, spare parts sellers, food vendors, water sellers, car washers and other service providers whose businesses depend on the automobile industry.
The association maintained that the establishment of the motor village would not only organise automobile-related businesses in the state but also provide a structured environment for investment, improve revenue generation and contribute to the broader economic development of Katsina State.
